Last updated on January 12th, 2023 at 09:13 am
Every autumn, AgriSafe highlights the importance of preventing slips, trips, and falls as our agricultural workers are challenged by the cold, wind, and ice that comes with winter weather. While this information is important for all ag workers, it is especially important for older adults. According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, over half of the management and work in agriculture is carried out by men and women 57 years old and older, and one-third of America’s 3.4 million farmers are over the age of 65.
We know that as people age, their likelihood of injury from falls increases (CDC). There are also many factors that can affect our coordination and reflexes in cold weather conditions, such as: medications, changes in visual acuity, decreased flexibility and balance, chronic disease, and more.
Here are some resources with good tips to share with your colleagues, students, and patients:
- AgriSafe’s tips to avoid weather-related injuries
- The CDC’s facts on falls
- The NY Center for Ag. Medicine and Health’s tips to avoid slips trips and falls in winter
- SFM Mutual Insurance Company’s resource guide includes safety information, posters, and more!
Northern Michigan’s Sports Medicine Center’s tips for avoiding slips, trips, and falls
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