unite Health and Safety Stay safe DON’T PUT UP WITH PAIN Unite’s fight against musculoskeletal disorders
Agricultural work is dangerous. Quad bike crashes, chainsaw injuries, cattle attacks make the news, while gradual harm is rarely discussed.
Steve Leniec, chair of the agriculture subsector at Unite remembers, “In the 1970s tractors had minimal protection. Operators are now shielded from the worst issues which led to hearing problems, back and leg damage and lung problems from dust and pesticides.
"However, improvements which enable longer hours make it vital to take breaks to avoid problems like thrombosis and spinal issues simply from sitting for hours in one position.
“When I started, fertiliser and seed was delivered in 50kg sacks, all manually handled, often many tonnes a day. Now most are delivered in 500kg bags mechanically handled, and small packages are 25kg or less.
“But even now, loading a seed drill using 20kg bags requires care both in lifting and in climbing steps to the hopper,” he added.
Unite’s Musculoskeletal Disorders campaign calls on Unite members to get involved.
The website has a concise printable Campaign Checklist, and message posters – a set for agriculture is in the pipeline.
The calls for action include, among others, mandatory manual-handling risk assessments, and for manufacturers to design out the need for manual handling wherever possible.
Employers and government must ensure that workers have protection against preventable injuries. The Farm Safety Foundation (see right) provides an on-line resource to build a health and safety policy.
The other side of musculoskeletal injuries often overlooked is the impact on mental capability to live and work normally. Unite’s campaign website, United Minds, (see right) provides resources including workplace posters, and the Mental Health Guide for reps and negotiators.
42 uniteLANDWORKER Summer 2026
n By Helen Armstrong
Latest on workers’ safety news
Alamy
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