Farming is a very physical occupation and workers can injure themselves by lifting heavy loads such as chemicals, fertiliser, hay bales, calves, buckets, equipment, and also while handling animals. Most agricultural manual handling injuries involve the back and weight-bearing joints and the risk of injury can be minimised by good lifting techniques and safe working habits. Use mechanical lifting aids or get help to lift and carry heavy loads whenever possible.
Manual handling
Strain injuries can keep farm workers away from work for weeks at a time. They can happen so easily when you are lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, lowering, holding heavy items or when you are restraining animals, moving equipment, hay or handling stock.
Manual handling injuries occur through:
- Increased wear and tear or damage, eg from intense or strenuous manual activity
- Gradual wear and tear
- Heavy or awkward lifts (lifting heavy machinery or sheep onto a ute)
- Sudden, unexpected movement (carrying a heavy object, stumbling, tripping or falling).
References used for this topic page
More information:
Clinical care:
Research & reviews:
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
Last reviewed:
13-March-2010
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