Harvest is a time of stress, anxiety and worry, but there are ways to make the season less taxing, according to an agricultural safety specialist.
“People can manage stress through rest, change, nutrition and other strategies,” notes George Maher of the North Dakota State University extension service.
“Some of these strategies take a little time, but they can improve your productivity and it’s nothing compared to the time, cost and pain associated with a stress-related injury.”
Maher says humans need a break every two hours. Fifteen minutes of rest will be refreshing and restore some of the productivity lost in the previous hours of continuous work. Schedule a 15 minute break for every two hours you work.
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Taking a break whenever there are a few minutes is not enough. A scheduled break has a much stronger effect than an unscheduled one because it is anticipated, enhancing the enjoyment and rest.
Keep alert
Rotating responsibilities among workers helps keep you alert, Maher says. Repetitive work leads to dulled senses and slow reactions that can result in accidents.
Rotating tasks means others will need to be trained in the jobs the farm operator typically handles. As a result, tasks can be completed and work can continue when members of the work crew are absent.
Even during busy times it is important to get enough sleep, Maher says.
Humans need between six and eight hours of sleep every 24 hours. The amount of sleep varies from person to person because of differences in age, physical condition, level of activity and individual metabolism.
People who are stressed and short on sleep become fatigued more rapidly, endangering themselves and others.
Nutrition is also important.
“It is a common belief that high sugar-content foods are good for fighting off fatigue, but that effect is for youth only. Recent studies show that foods high in sugar will actually increase drowsiness in adults.
“Protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are vitally needed for the long haul.”
Drugs, alcohol and tobacco can hurt performance under stress.
