After a fall 13 years ago that broke bones, Thomas McDade of Imperial, Sask., is concerned about taking better care of his back.
“Farming is very physical work,” McDade said in a News release
news.
“Many common activities such as lifting heavy cases of chemical from the truck or moving an auger can cause back strain. Even driving the tractor is awkward because you are continually looking back over your shoulder while holding the controls.”
McDade is one of the hundreds of farmers who recently took part in a research project to find the causes of back injuries on the farm.
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The research was conducted by the Think Back program, a partnership between Farm Credit Canada and the Dr. Paul Schwann Applied Health and Research Centre at the University of Regina.
Injury prevention tips aimed at farmers have been added to the project’s website at www.thinkback.ca.
“Farmers have told us this information is helpful and realistic,” said Nancy Turner at the centre.
“We’re not saying always lift with a friend. We know that’s not going to happen. But, if we can increase awareness of potential danger and back injury prevention, we’ve accomplished our goal.”
