Agriculture Safety and Workers’ Compensation

Agriculture is a business that tends to involve a large amount of manual labor and physical activity. Because of this, muscle pains and injuries are more common among those who have a job related to agriculture. It’s essential to understand more about typical workers’ compensation claims in the agriculture industry.

What Are Some Common Workers’ Compensation Claims? 
Lower back pain is one of the most common workers’ compensation claims among many manual labor jobs—especially in agriculture. According to the National Ag Safety Database, about 31% of all workers’ compensation cases involve back injuries. Farmers tend to have more claims regarding lower back pain because of the physically demanding work in the fields. Lifting objects that weigh 25 or more pounds and awkward body posture while working tend to cause lower back pain and injuries.

How Can I Prevent Low Back Injuries? 
When working an agricultural job, there are various risks to consider. Injuries can occur suddenly and muscle pain can arise when you least expect it. To prevent injuries, consider the following tips:

• Ensure all loads are as light and compact as possible.
• Lift only items that can be handled safely by testing the weight before picking it up. If the load is unmanageable, ask a co-worker for assistance.
• Get a solid grip on items before lifting/lowering them by placing your feet close to the load and using smooth motions with your legs.
• Avoid grabbing objects out of your reach or blocked by other items. Instead, get close to the object and move obstacles out of the way before proceeding.
• Always rotate your entire body by moving your feet instead of twisting at the waist while carrying large loads.
• Use mechanical lifting devices such as lift tables, hoists and conveyors to assist in tasks when possible.
• Use vehicles with suspension seats to reduce whole-body vibrations.

While these are some common tips to consider to avoid getting injured on the job, they are not the only precautions to take. Above all, be aware of your surroundings and prioritize the protection of your body to limit potential injuries.

Reach Out 
For more information about agriculture safety and workers’ compensation in Charles City, Iowa, be sure to contact Shankland Insurance at 641-228-7436.