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Reducing manual handling risks in agriculture and horticulture
#5 - 0--mikeshields--Reducing manual handling risks in agriculture and horticulture--2004-10-08 04:47:12
#Manual handling injury is all too prevalent among workers generally and in agriculture and horticulture in particular - with 3.8% of people who had worked in agriculture in the past 8 years showing the highest incidence rate of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of any industry. - An investigative HSE-funded study and its
report by RFR Pettit -
Defining the extent and source of
manual handling problems in agricultural and horticultural enterprises, RR269, involved visits to a wide range of
establishments where typical manual handling activity was observed and
considered.
The report found:
- horticulture still involves significant levels of
repetitive manual handling and consequent risk of MSDs, greater mechanisation
is needed;
- recent increase in the application of bulk
systems in agriculture has led to a reduction in repetitive manual
handling tasks, but there remains a large number of what the author
describes as 'disparate, intermittent' manual handling tasks; residual
risk can be reduced through better design of products, equipment and
buildings - these solutions are often developed by farmers and growers,
but need to be brought to the attention of manufacturers and suppliers;
- many workers in agriculture carry historical MSDs
which can flare up;
- training in how to reduce risks through good
working practices and proper manual handling technique remains important;
It was concluded that in assessing risks
and implementing controls to prevent or sufficiently mitigate manual handling
risk, employers need to focus on all aspects of the activity - task, load,
environment and individual capability. More needs to be done to promulgate
solutions developed by farmers and growers. Suppliers and manufacturers need to
take greater account of the needs of their customers when designing buildings,
equipment and when packaging goods.--comments-->0--15468--5
