Environmental Safety

Body Motions: Lifting, Pushing, and TurningBiohazardous Materials

Body Mechanics

• Definition: the way in which the body moves and maintains balance while making the most efficient use of all its parts.

• Purpose: to prevent strain and help maintain muscle strength.

Main Reasons for Good Body Mechanics

• Muscles work best when used correctly.• Correct use of the muscles makes lifting,

pulling, and pushing easier.• Correct application prevents unnecessary

fatigue and strain, and saves energy.• Correct application prevents injury to self and

others.

Basic Rules• Maintain a broad base of support (standing

with feet 8-10 inches apart) to provide better balance.

• Bend from the hips and knees to get close to an object.

*Do NOT bend at the waist.

Basic Rules

• Use the strongest muscles to get the task done. – Shoulders– Upper arms– Hips– Thighs

Basic Rules

• Use your body weight to push or pull whenever possible.

• Carry heavy objects close to the body.• Avoid twisting your body; Turn with your feet

and entire body when you change direction.• Avoid bending for long periods.

Basic Rules

• If a patient or object is too heavy for you to lift alone, always get help. – Mechanical lifts– Transfer (gait) belts– Wheelchairs

Body Mechanics

• Promotes personal safety in the workplace.

• Includes the correct placement and use of furniture and equipment.

• Encourages workers to avoid repetitive motions.

Ergonomics

• Definition: An applied science used to promote the safety and well-being of a person by adapting to the environment and using techniques to prevent injury.

Personal Safety• Protect yourself and others from injury.• Use correct body mechanics.– Feet 8-10 inches apart– Bend from knees, not hips– Turn entire body, not from waist– Wear back support when lifting

• Wear the required uniform.• Walk – DO NOT run!

Get help if a patient or object is too heavy!

Personal Safety• Immediately report personal

injury to your supervisor.• Report unsafe situations to

your supervisor.• Keep areas clean and neat

with everything in the proper place.

• Wash hands frequently.

Signs and Symbols• Bio-hazard symbol: Indicates a potential

source of infection.

Signs and Symbols• Standard precaution symbols for:

– Wash hands

– Wear gloves

– Wear mask

– Wear eye protection

– Wear gown

OSHAOccupational Safety & Health Administration

• Division of Department of Labor• Monitors 2 safety standards affecting

healthcare workers:1. Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals

Standard2. Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard• Safety standards that protect healthcare

workers from diseases caused by exposure to body fluids

• 2 Most common diseases contracted from body fluids are:

1. Hepatitis B2. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

(AIDS)