WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Winter physical inactivity can often take a toll when farmers and gardeners begin preparing soil and planting, but practicing proper ergonomics can protect producers from injury. A series of educational workshops co-sponsored by Purdue University Extension and Transition Resources Corp. will demonstrate how producers can avoid injury while sustaining or increasing productivity.
The Ergonomics (Safety & Productivity) education workshop will take place at four sites around the Indiana. The workshops begin at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates at these Purdue Extension county offices:
* April 20, Hancock County - 802 N. Apple St., Greenfield. Contact: Roy Ballard, 317-462-1113.
* May 3, Knox County - 4367 N. Purdue Road, Vincennes. Contact: Stacye Johnson, 812-882-3509.
* May 6, Tipton County - 1200 S. Main St., Tipton. Contact: Mary Day, 765-675-1177.
* May 19, Delaware County - 100 W. Main St., Room 202, Muncie. Contact: Daisy Fryman, 765-747-7732.
Rob Stuthridge, ergonomist with Purdue's Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, is the lead presenter for each workshop. Stuthridge has extensive knowledge and experience in ergonomics, which can help farmers avoid injury and sustain or increase productivity. He will offer basic tips and give suggestions for specific farming operations.
Ergonomics focuses on designing the job, equipment and workplace to fit the worker. Proper design is important for preventing repetitive strain injuries, which develop over time and may cause long-term disability.
The workshops are designed for farmers, growers, crew leaders and workers to improve worker safety and productivity, improve the handling of produce and equipment, and find effective solutions to problems in the workplace.
Roy Ballard, educator, Purdue Extension Hancock County, said attending the workshop would help producers achieve these objectives.
"While this is a busy time of year for farmers, this is a great opportunity to learn about how to help avoid injuries and keep productivity high in all farm workers, whether they are family members or hired employees," he said. "Work-related injuries can create some serious downtime that can impact the profitability of a farm. Attending this brief program can have significant benefits to the immediate and long-term health and productivity of farmers and their employees."
There is no charge for the workshops, but participants are asked to preregister through the contacts listed for each site.
Source : Purdue University