"Farming is very physical work," McDade says. "Many common activities such as lifting heavy cases of chemical from the truck or moving an auger can cause back strain. Even driving the tractor is awkward because you are continually looking back over your shoulder while holding the controls. Today, I think a lot more about how to do things so I don't strain my back."
McDade is one of several hundred farmers who recently took part in a research project to examine the causes of back injuries on the farm. The survey was conducted by the Think Back program, a partnership between Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and the Dr. Paul Schwann Applied Health and Research Centre. The study found that back injuries among farmers are very common and are often the result of awkward postures and lifting. To address the issue, a new phase of the Think Back Web site at www.thinkback.ca has been launched to include a section with injury prevention tips aimed at the farm.
"The results of this research are very important," says FCC President and Chief Executive Officer John Ryan. "We hope that this information can help to prevent injuries in the future."
Most farmers are self-employed and do not have insurance for work-related injuries.
"Farmers have told us this information is helpful and realistic," says Nancy Turner, co-ordinator of Workplace Health and Health Promotion Services at the Dr. Paul Schwann Centre. "We're not saying always lift with a friend. We know that's not going to happen. But, if we can increase awareness of potential danger and back injury prevention, we've accomplished our goal."
"I think the Web site is a very good educational tool," McDade says. "If you're going to the gym to lift 50 pound weights, you stretch before you start. Farmers should do the same. The basic message is think before you act."
The Dr. Paul Schwann Centre is part of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina. The Centre provides innovative programming in physical activity and health and initiates and promotes research that enhances knowledge in health and wellness.
FCC helps Canadian farmers and agribusiness operators grow, diversify and prosper. Operating out of 100 offices located primarily in rural Canada, the corporation's employees are passionate about the business of agriculture. FCC's healthy portfolio of $8.6 billion and 10 consecutive years of portfolio growth are a reflection of their customers' success.
For more information, please contact:
Dean Rathwell (English)
Community Investment
Farm Credit Canada
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 780-8632
Fax: (306) 780-5456
Mireille Bilodeau VongPhit (bilingual)
Communication Consultant
Farm Credit Canada
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 780-8630
Fax: (306) 780-5456
Nancy Turner
Dr. Paul Schwann Applied Health and Research Centre
Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 585-5293
Fax: (306) 585-5363
Thomas McDade
Imperial, Saskatchewan
(306) 585-8475
mcdadet@sasktel.net