The latest episode of the Farm Safety Roundup podcast, hosted by Shaun Haney, dives into the risks and precautions associated with material handling on farms. Joined by Kristin Hoffman, a Health and Safety Consultant with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS), the episode underscores the importance of proactive safety measures to prevent injuries.
“Unfortunately, agriculture as a sector has one of the highest rates of injuries,” says Hoffman, “and material handling is one of the factors that results in these injuries.” From moving unruly bags of seed and fertilizer to handling livestock, the physical demands are immense and often underestimated.
Hoffman shares some sobering examples, like an incident where a worker was fatally struck by a slipping concrete block, or tragic cases involving children injured in tractor loader buckets. Such events highlight the need for caution and awareness.
The risk is made worse when farmers rely on brute strength for manual tasks such as lifting, pushing, or pulling. These repetitive actions, compounded by awkward postures and overexertion, can lead to sprains, strains, and even chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
Sometimes in farming there is a mindset of a sore body being a measure of a “good day” of work on the farm. But it’s possible, Hoffman says, to accomplish tasks without the need to be sore at the end of the day. She recommends warming up before tasks, using proper lifting techniques, and leveraging equipment to lighten loads.
However, using equipment introduces its own risks. Improper use or overloading can result in catastrophic failures. “We want to be sure that we have the right equipment for the weight and size of material that we are going to handle. Work within that capacity, and also check in on that condition, ensure we’ve got appropriate maintenance—and when necessary—repair in place,” Hoffman advises. Communication and visibility are also key to preventing accidents involving co-workers or family members on the farm.
Material handling is an everyday part of farming, but the risks should never be taken lightly. By combining awareness, proper techniques, and the right tools, farmers can significantly reduce the likelihood of injury and ensure the safety of themselves, their employees, and their families.
For more information safety considerations around manual and mechanical material handing go to wsps.ca/farmsafety for free, easy to use resources.
• WSPS Prepare for Inspections: Manual Material Handling
• WSPS Manual and Mechanical Material Handling
• WSPS Material Handling Resources for Workers, Supervisors and Employers
• MSD Prevention
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