Body Mechanics

• Positions and movements used to maintain proper posture and avoid muscle and bone injuries.

• Back injury is the number one injury experienced by health care workers while they are on the job.– Lift, transfer, or position patients.

Principles of Body Mechanics

• Body alignment depends on the correct positioning of the head, back, and limbs.

Principles of Body Mechanics

• The body performs better when it is in alignment.

• Preserve the natural curves of the back.• Proper standing position– Feet flat on floor, about 6-10 inches apart.– Back straight, knees flexed slightly.

Body Mechanics Failure

• Causes back problems including acute strains, sprains, disc strain and bulge, disc herniation, and fatigue.

• Prevention is the best cure for back pain.

Key Components of Body Mechanics

• Keep feet a shoulder-width apart – wide base of support.

• Always use two hands to move someone or something.

• Face the direction in which you intend to move. Never twist.

• Avoid unnecessary reaching.• Keep your chin up and look straight ahead.• Keep your shoulders back.

Key Components of Body Mechanics (cont.)

• Bend at the hips and knees.• Keep your back straight.• Keep the object you are lifting

close to your body.• Exhale when you are lifting or

exerting force.• Tighten your abdominal muscles.• Lift with your legs, not your back.

Key Components of Body Mechanics (cont.)

• Push, pull, or slide instead of lifting.• Pushing is the best technique for moving

something large.• Use the weight of your body to help you

push or pull.• Always ask for help whenever needed.• Tell the patient what you are going to do

and ask for the patient’s help.

Ergonomics

• Promote the safety and well-being of a person by adapting the environment and using techniques to prevent injuries.– Correct placement of furniture and equipment.– Training in required muscle movements.– Efforts to avoid repetitive motions.– Awareness of the environment to prevent

injuries.

Ergonomics

• You spend a large portion of your day in the work environment.

• You should be comfortable, use good posture, and learn exercises to prevent getting stiff and sore.

• Your chair, desk, and computer must be adjusted to fit your needs.

RMIREPETITIVE MOTION INJURIES

What is RMI

• They are injuries caused by

REGULARLYREPEATED

MOVEMENTS

RMI’s examples

• Work– Doing the same physical tasks over and over

• Hobbies– Knitting, sewing or playing musical instruments

• Sports– Tennis, golf, baseball or bowling

RMI’s can affect

• Upper and lower arms & elbows• Wrists, hands and fingers• Shoulders and neck• Chest, abdomen and other areas• May occasionally affect lower limbs & back

Why learn about RMI’s

• They are very common• They can be or become serious • Learning about them can help you• Can be very costly to you and the company• Can affect or change your life style• Can be permanent

Motions that cause RMI’s

• Lifting - stacking, loading objects or boxes• Twisting - using a screwdriver or nut driver• Squeezing - clippers, scissors or other tools• Hammering, stapling or securing boxes• Finger and hand movements - pressing keys• Pushing and pulling - carts or racks

Sorry !

Using your brain

too much

is not a RMI

Basic types of RMI’s

• Tendonitis• Tenosynovitis• CTS - Carpal Tunnel

Syndrome• Circulation Problems

Common Symptoms of RMI’s

• Numbness• Tingling sensation, soreness or pain• Difficulty in eating, driving & writing due to

weakness• Skin that turns pale or cold• Difficulty moving fingers, shoulder, elbow or

wrist

Ways to prevent RMI’s• Report symptoms right away• Increase work gradually in a new job• Reduce repetitions• Change positions• Adjust chair, work surface, keyboard, etc.• Pace yourself• Elbows at right angles to keyboard• Wrist as straight as possible• Pad corners, use cushioned tools

Create a healthy workplace

• Report all symptoms as soon as possible• Suggest changes - improve comfort & safety• Follow all safety procedures• Use Proper Protective Equipment• Follow treatment plan at home & work

Remember

An RMI can be caused or made worse by what you do OFF the job too.

Make changes in activities outside of work too if necessary.

Staying healthy pays off for you and for the company.