University of Manitoba researchers will investigate how work and non-work conditions influence work practices, safety behaviours and lifestyles in aging farmers.
Head researcher Margaret Friesen of the department of occupational therapy will study whether they slow farmers down, whether they have to get help and whether they’ve had to change the way they do things.
“Hopefully that will give us a good picture,” said Friesen, who added that results from the survey and interviews will be posted on the university’s website Nov. 1.
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Friesen said farmers suffer a wide range of diseases and respiratory problems from years of exposure to agents found in soil, grain, pesticides and herbicides. Long-term effects include musculoskeletal disorders, skin cancers and depression.
There are also work-related injuries, including fractures, spinal cord damage, crush injuries and amputations, she said.
More than 40 percent of Canadian farmers are older than 55.
“Whenever anybody has a long-term health condition, you adapt so slowly that you don’t notice how many changes you’re making to the way you work,” Friesen said.
Some adaptations might result in less safe work practices, she said.
Neil Enns, president of Manitoba Farmers with Disabilities in Elm Creek, Man., cited the importance of safe practices on the farm.
He lost part of his right arm to an auger in 1995 following a miscommunication with a co-worker.
“We have to be cautious and take the time and make sure that we don’t do things hastily,” Enns said.
Farm safety consultant Theresa Whalen agreed.
“Accidents can happen even when taking precautions,” she said. “Therefore, farmers need be prepared when they handle things like pesticide spills.”
The Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research reports that older farmers may be at greater risk from health and safety dangers than other occupations because they tend to stay longer in the workforce.
Don Voaklander, a researcher at the University of Alberta’s school of public health, said older farmers are more susceptible to injury, pesticides and other farm-related toxins.
Aging farmers also seem to suffer more muscular-skeletal problems, back pain and long lasting injury.
Marcel Hacault, executive director of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association in Winnipeg, is pleased research is underway to shed more light on health and safety issues facing older farmers.
He believes the results may create more safety awareness and aid farm equipment manufacturers and product suppliers in their designs and distribution.
