ACC

Tips for farming

This resource contains important information for your workplace. Keep the information handy.

Stretch - triceps
stretch
  • Sit tall, reach for the ceiling
  • Take one hand down back, with the palm flat
  • Use other hand to gently pull elbow in to increase the stretch.
Stretch - chest
stretch
  • Interlink hands behind back
  • Draw shoulder blades down and back
  • Lift hands away from the body to feel the stretch at the front of the chest.
Stretch - trunk
stretch
  • Stand with feet hip-width apart
  • Reach up, clasp wrist
  • Breathe in, as you breathe out lean sideways.
Stretching instructions
  • Stretch every hour - move in opposite direction to your work positions
  • Stretch 2-3 times each side
  • Move gently into stretch and hold for 10-15 seconds
  • Breathe out slowly with each stretch, let go gently
  • Make sure you only feel the stretch in the highlighted area
  • After static work any action is good – swing arms, move hips, ‘wriggle’
  • Aim to do all stretches at least daily to maintain flexibility.
Stretch - front thigh
stretch
  • Using support, stand on one leg
  • Keep knees side-by-side, bring heel towards your buttock
  • Try to keep your back straight.
Stretch - buttock
stretch
  • Stand tall on one leg
  • Pull opposite knee up towards chest keeping an upright position.
Stretch - hamstring
stretch
  • Stand with one heel on a stable surface, knees slightly bent
  • Bend forwards gently
  • Keep head up and bottom out/back.
Warm-up/cool down
  • Before starting work do warm-up stretches
  • If your work is very strenuous, start work gently and build up steadily
  • If this is not possible, do a few minutes of light aerobic activity to warm your body up before starting
  • If you end your day with strenuous work, cool down with some light cardio exercise and stretches.
Stretch - long calf
stretch
  • Lean into a wall with one foot in front of the other (shoulder width apart)
  • Lean onto front leg, heels on the ground, back knee straight.
Stretch - back extension standing
stretch
  • Stand with feet hip-width apart, leaning on a stable surface.
  • Curve backwards to stretch back into extension.
Stretch - semi squat
stretch
  • Stand with feet hip-width apart, shoulders relaxed
  • Bend knees, head up, bottom out
  • Aim to keep knees over your toes
  • Hold 3 -5 seconds, repeat 10 times.
ACC

Tips for farming

This resource contains important information for your workplace. Keep the information handy.

PPE required
  • Hard hat
  • Safety footwear
  • High visibility vest
  • Protective eye wear
  • Hearing protection grade – (insert number)
  • Dust mask/respirator
  • Gloves

Avoid loose, floppy clothing - it is less likely to catch in machinery.

Prevent fatigue
  • Healthy foods provide energy to function and sleep well. Eat 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily
  • Alcohol negatively influences quality of sleep, wait till days off to drink alcohol
  • Caffeine is a stimulant and only good for short term use
  • If you're tired, only sleep can improve your concentration
  • Avoid caffeine for at least three hours before trying to sleep.

 

 

Environmental issues
  • Heat/sun/cold
  • Other machinery
  • Speed limits
  • Cellphone coverage
  • Spraying
  • Rabbit holes, uneven ground, rocks, puddles
  • Water (creeks, water holes etc)
Sustaining a healthy work life
  • Try to get 8 hours sleep per night. Sleep-debt stresses your body and mind
  • Healthy foods provide energy to function and nutrients to help you stay well
  • 30 minutes exercise a day helps keep you well
  • Drink water regularly throughout the day, 1.5 to 2 litres is usual, but your needs will vary depending on what work you do
  • Take positive action to address both work and non-work stress: talk issues through, take breaks, eat away from your work area, work well for the required hours, then go and 'play'.
Get a great night's sleep
  • Try to get 8 hours sleep per night. Sleep debt stresses your body and your mind
  • Wind down in the evening and relax for half an hour before bed. Reducing stress helps you sleep better
  • Exercise during the day
  • Healthy foods provide energy to function and sleep well
  • Avoid caffeine for at least 5 hours before sleep
  • Alcohol reduces sleep quality. If you drink in the evening, do so in moderation
  • Make sure you have a very dark room and comfortable bed.
Stay fit
  • 30 minutes exercise a day helps keep you well
  • Being healthy and physically flexible helps keep you safe at work
  • Keep moving. Use the steps not the lift. Park your car 10 minutes from work and walk. Cycle to work. Take a walk at lunch time
  • Start exercising with a friend
  • When you start exercising, start slowly. Gradually increase activity as you get used to it
  • Make your exercise as fun and playful as possible
  • Have regular health checks.
Eat well
  • Healthy foods provide energy to function and nutrients to help you stay well
  • Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables every day
  • Drink water regularly throughout the day
  • Drink more if high temperature and/or heavy activity means you sweat a lot
  • Take lunch breaks away from your work area. Your digestion works best when you are relaxed.
First aid for injuries: Part A

FIRST TWO DAYS - USE R.I.C.E.D.
REST:
To limit further damage, avoid moving the injured part as much as possible.
ICE: Put ice in a damp towel and place on the injured part for 20 minutes. Do this every two hours for the first 48 hours after injury.
COMPRESSION: Bandage the injured part between ice treatments.
ELEVATION: Keep the injured part raised as much as possible.
DIAGNOSIS: If pain or swelling isn't significantly less after 48 hrs seek professional medical help.

First aid for injuries: Part B

FIRST THREE DAYS - AVOID H.A.R.M.

HEAT:
Avoid hot baths and showers, saunas, hot water bottles, heat packs and liniments.
ALCOHOL: Alcohol increases bleeding and swelling at the injury site and delays healing.
RUNNING: Don't exercise the injured part for 72 hours unless approved by a medical professional.
MASSAGE: Massaging an injury in the first 72 hours can slow down recovery.

 

Red flags: Part A

SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IF YOU HAVE:

  • Severe, unremitting night-time pain
  • Severe burning pain with associated pins and needles
  • Significant loss of weight over a period of weeks to months
  • Significant trauma (e.g. fall from a height, motor vehicle accident, crush, etc.)
  • Feeling systematically unwell – e.g. with fevers, night sweats, flu-like symptoms.
Red flags: Part B

SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IF YOU HAVE:

  • Obvious swelling or lump/s
  • Redness – especially around joint/s
  • Several different joints being affected at the same time
  • Skin rash associated with joint pains
  • Significant visible bruising in the affected area
  • Paralysis or significant loss of function of the limb or part of the limb.