WV Farm Bureau Magazine May 2013 | Page 6

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