Do you exercise right? Workers within the Farming, Agriculture and Mining Sectors all come with a variety of different skill sets, but one thing they all have in common is their need for a well-functioning, healthy body to complete their work.

Working as a farmer or a mine worker involves heavy and awkward movements for long periods of time. The physical pressures put on the body in this line of work exposes the joints, spine and nervous system to a lot of stress. Typically, employees in these jobs are more prone to musculoskeletal injuries resulting from forceful or repetitive lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.

These occupations also come with a degree of mental stress – finding the next contracting job, being away from family and friends or even the threat of environmental disasters (such as bush fires and cyclones).

Exercise can decrease the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries associated with your job role. Participating in work specific conditioning program will assist you in decreasing the likelihood of musculoskeletal injury, and also can have a positive impact on your mental health.

Exercise Right recommends:

• Stretch before, during and after work.
• Use proper techniques when manual handling.
• Give your body breaks to avoid injury when doing heavy and repetitive activities.
• Participate in onsite exercise programs.
• Find a time to exercise that you can make consistently. Consistency is the key!