In June, Deb Eidsness and Kyrstin Szewczyk, OTR/L, went to Carnation Farms and focused on four main subjects for a class. The first focus of the class was planting/field work; recommendations were made for improving body mechanics, and ergonomic tools were trialed by the farmers while actively planting. The second was packing/harvesting with a focus on joint protection in general and specifically on injuries of the farmers. Third was livestock handling and grazing with a focus on pasture rotation with sheep and a focus on ergonomics and alterations to existing equipment. Fourth was to briefly discuss and provide written materials on farmworker mental health. Written materials were also provided with additional tools and resources for the physical aspects of farming. This fall, additional classes and information will be provided to Carnation Farms when they are outside their busy season.
Submitted by Don McMoran