Watch your Back – NCFH provides tips for preventing back pain
One of the most common forms of musculoskeletal injury is lower back pain. Experienced by over 80% of the western industrialised population, this type of pain will often progress undiagnosed. Neck and shoulder pain are also amongst the most common pain complaints. Chronic pain is defined as pain that has persisted for 3 months or more.
Injuries can happen when you are lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, lowering, holding heavy items, bending or when you are handling stock, or moving equipment or hay. A back injury can seriously impact a person’s ability to undertake the day-to-day running of a farm. The prognosis is better if people are active.
Metalcorp design and manufacture livestock handling equipment with a safety focus.
For example, all 2018 Metalcorp cattle crushes are manufactured with a foot operated kick panel in the lower vet gate to avoid repeated bending when locking this gate.
Metalcorp’s commitment to safety has been boosted further, thanks to its partnership with the National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH).
The NCFH has put together a list of risk factors, which are important to consider when working on the farm.
Risk factors for back injury include:
- Not warming up your muscles before strenuous manual activity
- Whole body vibration and prolonged sitting in a fixed position. E.g. tractor, quad or motor bikes
- Heavy or awkward lifts (lifting heavy machinery or sheep onto a Ute)
- Sudden, unexpected movement (stumbling, tripping or falling when carrying a heavy object)
- Sitting for long periods and not being active.
The risk of injury can be minimised by good lifting techniques and safe working habits. Be mindful of your back and joints when handling stock, lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, lowering and holding heavy items like equipment and hay.
