Join The Land Connection on Thursday, August 22, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at PrairiErth Farm in Atlanta, IL for our workshop on Farm Workplace Safety.

Farming is strenuous work. Working in the fields, washing and packing up produce, transporting it to wholesale and retail outlets. All of these activities present different stresses for your body. Repetitive motions, heavy lifting, dangerous equipment, and environmental challenges can really take a toll. All too frequently, farmers and their employees are injured on the job, both by accidents and by wear and tear on their bodies.

In this workshop, participants will learn about best practices for maintaining a safe farm workspace and explore the ergonomics of common farm motions. The workshop will focus on proper lifting, good working techniques when working in the fields and in a packhouse, stretching and yoga practices that mitigate the strain of farm work on the body, OSHA requirements, and common risks around the farm and pack area.

Presenters & Topics

Donovan Muldrow, A.C.E.-CPT, is a Certified Functional Training Specialist who works as a personal trainer and powerlifting coach. Donovan will demonstrate good recovery techniques with a focus on nutrition and hydration, proper body positioning during work activities, as well as some breathing drills to help with back stabilization and core activation.

Maggie Taylor is the co-owner of Delight Flower Farm and a certified yoga instructor. Maggie will be discussing body mechanics and the pivotal role they play in on-farm activities. She will then lead a session of yoga exercises specifically geared towards farmers and many of the positions and motions they make in their day-to-day activities.

Brian Bothast is with the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Peoria-area office. Brian will give a presentation on OSHA specifically for farmers and what farmers need to be aware of when considering OSHA regulations and guidelines.

Katie Bishop from PrairiErth Farm will then lead a “scavenger hunt” around the Pack House where groups will be asked to identify possible dangers to employees. After the scavenger hunt participants will talk through their own operations in small groups and begin a safety assessment of their farm. They will then be given materials and resources to take by to their farms.

Registration

Lunch will be provided by Epiphany Farms. Registration is $30 through August 11, and $40 after. Registration closes on August 20 at midnight.

For any questions, please email Taidghin O’Brien at taidghin@thelandconnection.org, or call (217)840-2128.

REGISTER HERE