Body Mechanics

Question 1

fyi

• Some of the most common injuries sustained by healthcare workers are severe musculoskeletal strains
• Can be avoided by the conscious use of correct and proper body mechanics

Answer 1

fyi

Question 2

using body mechanics helps

Answer 2

The utilization of correct muscles to complete a task safely and efficiently without any undue strain on a muscle or a joint

Question 3

1. Maintain a stable center of gravity

Answer 3

• Keep your center of gravity low
• Keep your back straight- with natural curves
• Bend at the knees-bring cog lower
• Bend at the hips- bring cog lower

Question 4

2. Maintain a wide base of support
   This will provide you with the maximum stability while lifting

Answer 4

1. Keep your feet apart
2. Place one foot slightly in front of the other
3. Flex your knees
4. Turn with your feet- baby steps

Question 5

3. Maintain the line of gravity
   This line should pass vertically through the base of support- #1

Answer 5

Keep your back straight
Keep the object being lifted close to your body

Question 6

4. Maintain proper body alignment

Answer 6

1. Tuck in your buttocks
2. Pull your abdomen up and in-tighten core
3. Keep your back from curving beyond it’s normal curvature
4. Keep your head up
5. Keep your chin up
6. Keep your weight forward and supported on the outside of your feet

Question 7

Lifting techniques

we do a lot of lifting and teach pts

Answer 7

1. Use the stronger leg muscles for lifting-use abs
2. Bend at the knees and hips
3. Keep your back straight
4. Lift straight up, in one smooth motion
5. Use momentum- rocking

Question 8

Reaching techniques

Answer 8

1. Stand directly in front of, and close to the object- walk with vacuum
2. Avoid twisting or stretching
3. Use a stool or ladder for high objects- keep tight to body
4. Maintain a good balance and a firm base of support
5. Before moving the object, be sure it is not **too large or too heavy- test it **

Question 9

Pivoting techniques

Answer 9

1. Place one foot slightly ahead of the other
2. Turn both feet at the same time, pivoting on the heel of one foot and the toe of the other
3. Maintain a good center of gravity while holding or carrying the object

Question 10

Avoid Stooping (bending at waist)

what are some techniques to use instead?

Answer 10

1. Squat (bend at the hips and knees)
2. Avoid stooping (bending at the waist)
3. Use your leg muscles to return to an upright position
4. Golfer’s lift example

Question 11

General Considerations

Answer 11

1. It is easier to pull, push, or roll an object than it is to lift it
2. Movements should be smooth and coordinated
3. Not jerky
4. Less energy or force is required to keep an object moving than it is to start and stop it
5. Use the arm and leg muscles as much as possible, the back muscles as little as possible
6. Keep the work as close as possible to your body
7. It puts less of a strain on your back, legs, and arms
8. Rock backward or forward on your feet to use your body weight as a pushing or pulling force (momentum)
9. Keep the work at a comfortable height to avoid excessive bending at the waist
10. Keep your body in good physical condition to reduce the chance of injury

Question 12

Use proper body mechanics in order to avoid the following

Answer 12

1. Excessive fatigue- look for signs
2. Muscle strains or tears
3. Skeletal injuries
4. Injuries to the patient
5. Injury to assisting staff members