This project addressed injury risk management training focused on proper body mechanics and movement pattern coaching. It proposed two interaction variables between farmers, farm workers, and coaches. The initial plan included 32 single-contact Movement Workshops across four states (ME, CT, NY, and RI) and 18 months of multi-contact coaching at six Maine farms. Surveys were administered before, during, and after the project to assess training's impact on movement health and farm culture, comparing single-contact with repeated engagement.
Actual Project Summary:
The project ultimately delivered 42 Movement Workshops, in nine states, and provided coaching for five Maine farms over 18 months. All workshops and coaching sessions were offered at no cost to participants, except for three events in Maryland due to budget constraints. Overall, 603 individuals attended Movement Workshops (average of 14 per event), while 155 total contacts were made during the 18 month farm coaching. All training was in-person.
The initiative targeted beginning farmers, women producers, and socially disadvantaged groups. Among 679 unique participants, 82% were beginning farmers, 74% identified as female, and 47% belonged to disadvantaged groups (LGBTQ+, BIPOC, migrant workers).
Proposed Outcomes:
The training aimed for participants (farmers and workers) to understand the importance of sound body mechanics for injury prevention and self-advocacy, and the economic implications of injury versus avoidance. A six-month survey (with a 40% response rate), showed 91% reporting the implementation of: self-advocacy practices for physical well-being, using movement variations to enhance efficiency, and reducing fatigue and injury risks.
18-Month Coaching Results:
All participating farms established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for injury prevention, with a strong focus on heat-related practices, injury reporting, and medical form usage. The successful outcomes stemmed from small group, in-person training connecting individual well-being with injury avoidance, ultimately supporting career longevity and farm viability.