MSDs in the agriculture sector: from identifying the risks to adopting preventive measures
MSDs in the agriculture sector: from identifying the risks to adopting preventive measures
Description
Farming involves a lot of repetitive work. Manual handling and lifting in particular can cause strain and awkward positions. Outdoor work and specificities of terrain make the design of agricultural machinery challenging. This discussion paper looks at the use of mechanisation to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, especially upper limb disorders, in the agricultural sector.
Farming involves a lot of repetitive work. Manual handling and lifting in particular can cause strain and awkward positions. Outdoor work and specificities of terrain make the design of agricultural machinery challenging. This discussion paper looks at the use of mechanisation to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, especially upper limb disorders, in the agricultural sector.
Other data
Sector / Indrustry covered
AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHING
Hazards
Awkward postures
Fast-paced work
Forceful movements
Manual handling of loads
Repetitive movements/work
Static postures - standing
Health effects
Back pain or injury
Upper limb disorders
Worker groups covered (vulnerable groups etc.)
Prevention measures
Elimination of hazards
Improving individual working techniques (e.g manual handling postures)
Worker participation
Technical measures e.g. ergonomic equipment
Reducing/minimising the risk by organisational measures, e.g. reducing the number of workers exposed, job rotation
Target audience
All (no specific target audience)