Description
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, we will cover proper lifting techniques, nutrition, recovery, breathing drills (hands-on), body mechanics, yoga for farmers (hands-on), OSHA for farmers, packhouse hazards (scavenger hunt), and assessing risk on your farm (self-assessment). We will also discuss how corrective actions can be built into your employee manual and safety plan. The workshop is going to be packed with a ton of great information, tips and tricks, and some easy routines and procedures to implement on your farm to ensure that you and your employees are all operating safely. Lunch will be provided by Epiphany Farms.
Presenters and 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 back to their farms.
Agenda
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:00 P.M. | Overview of Workplace Safety Issues on Farms + Lunch |
| 12:30 P.M. | Proper Positioning/Lifting Techniques and Nutrition |
| 1:00 P.M. | Body Mechanics + Yoga for Farmers |
| 2:00 P.M. | OSHA for Farmers |
| 3:00 P.M. | Packhouse Hazard Scavenger Hunt |
| 3:30 P.M. | Small Group Discussion: Risk Assessment of own Farm |
| 4:00 P.M. | Adjourn |
Online registration is open through August 20. Cost is $20.
