Applying the Science of Ergonomics to Farm Work
Risk Management Services with Nationwide
Agribusiness Insurance Company, Des
Moines, IA.
Ergonomics is the study of the physical
capabilities and limitations of a worker in
relation to that person’s work tasks, tools
and environment. Ergonomics seeks to
reduce stress on the body, and increase
safety, comfort and productivity. Ergonomic
recommendations are fairly easy to integrate
into many farming routines. The key is
awareness and practice.
Simple changes that make work safer
Consider incorporating these ergonomic
modifications into your everyday work
activities to reduce potential injuries to you
and your workers.
Farmers and farm workers report
some of the highest risks of workrelated musculoskeletal disorders in the
nation. “Only recently has the science of
ergonomics been applied to farm work to
help reduce the number of injuries that cost
commercial agriculture millions of dollars
every year in health care expenses, lost
wages and lowered productivity,” says
Industrial Hygienist, Glenn Soyer, manag