Work safe: Use Correct Body Mechanics

1. Work safe: Use Correct Body Mechanics Health Science Career Exploration Promoting Safety

2. Use correct body mechanics • Move your body safely while performing job tasks • Maintain your balance with the most efficient use of your body • Prevent injury to yourself and others

3. Reasons for using good body mechanics • Muscles work best when used correctly • Lifting, pulling, and pushing are easier • Prevent unnecessary fatigue and strain • Prevent injury to yourself and others

4. Eight Basic Rules of Good Body Mechanics

5. Rule #1 • Maintain a broad base of support

6. Rule # 2 • Bend from the hips and knees to get close to an object

7. Rule # 3 • Use the strongest muscles to do the job

8. Rule # 4 • Use the weight of your body to help push or pull an object

9. Rule # 5 • Carry heavy objects close to your body

10. Rule # 6 • Avoid twisting your body as you work

11. Rule # 7 • Avoid bending for long periods of time

12. Rule # 8 • Get help! • If a patient or object is too heavy to lift alone, use mechanical lifts, transfer belts, turn sheets, wheelchairs, or a buddy.

13. Get help • Equipment is available to help lift and move patients

14. Ergonomics • Adapting environment and using techniques to avoid injury • Correct placement of furniture and equipment • Training in required muscle movements • Efforts to avoid repetitive motions • Awareness of environment to prevent injuries

15. Equipment Safety Solutions • Operate equipment only after you have been trained to use it • Read and follow operating instructions • Do not operate any equipment large equipment without the help of your instructor or a trained individual • Use wheel locking devices

16. Health Care Workers must follow safety regulations • Show increased awareness when working around patients, residents, and co-workers. • Exercise care while handling equipment • Accept responsibility for using good judgment • Ask questions when in doubt • Follow approved policies and procedures to create a safe environment • It is your responsibility to protect yourself and the patient form harm and injury

17. Resources: • Using Body Mechanics. (2004). In Health science career exploration (chapter 10).     Clifton Park N.Y.: Thomson.