KINGSTON, N.Y. — Farming is a demanding job. Farmers and farmworkers often find themselves working in awkward positions, adverse conditions, severe weather, and conducting repetitive tasks. Such tasks include pruning, planting, harvesting, and lifting heavy objects. This repetitive motion can strain the body, and even lead to discomfort or injury.

Free Agricultural Ergonomic / Injury Prevention Training
Monday, February 7, 2022, from 12 to 1 PM
Free to Attend Zoom Workshop
Registration Link: https://cceulster.mahaplatform.com/events/tifln1cd5c

Recognizing a need to break this cycle of injury, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County (CCEUC) has partnered with Injury & Health Management Solutions, Inc. (IHMS), a Vermont company that provides industrial health promotion, rehabilitation and consultation aimed at promoting the restoration of movement, function, productivity, and health. They believe that the body is “self-healing” and needs guidance to recover from an injury to achieve proper health. IHMS’s primary function is to educate their clientele on how to care for their bodies. Utilizing their knowledge, expertise, and innovative ergonomic concepts, IHMS will offer a 1-hour virtual “lunch and learn” workshop on February 7, 2022, from 12pm to 1pm. designed to reduce the risk of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD) and other musculoskeletal injuries frequently associated with those employees who work in a farming or agricultural setting. This workshop will teach safe work behavior and body mechanics through hands-on practice of the techniques. It will also teach appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises that can be performed on the job. Emphasis will be placed on motivating participants to accept responsibility for safely performing work tasks and the caring for their bodies. Workers are encouraged to think of themselves as industrial athletes who must have a body that is fit for the job and that resists fatigue day after day, year after year. This workshop is a positive, dynamic, interactive, and educational experience for all participants.

There is no cost to attend this virtual event, but pre-registration is required. To register visit, https://cceulster.mahaplatform.com/events/tifln1cd5c. A Zoom link will be sent to participants after successfully registering. This workshop is part of a grant funded by Northeast Risk Management and Education program and written by Jim O’Connell Sr. Ag. Educator with CCEUC, for on farm health and safety. This material is based on work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2018-70027-28588.

–Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County