Body Mechanics Definitions Body mechanics: Use of the body in an efficient way to prevent injury. Posture: the arrangement of the body and its limbs Base of support: the area beneath and between both feet

Body Alignment Transparency 6-3

OSHA Occupational Safety & Health Administration  Mission: to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women.  They set and enforce standards for safety.

Continued… Muscles  Shoulders, upper arms, hips and thighs. Process for lifting  Bend your knees and squat  Hold items close to your body and to your base of support.

Lifting Heavy Objects from the Floor Transparency 6-4 Back muscles must lift the object and half of the body Legs and thighs do the lifting

Ergonomics Definitions  The science of designing the job to fit the worker. The goal is to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Back Injuries Occurs from repeated activities over time or from one event. Signs and symptoms OSHA lists factors leading to back disorders

Fowler’s Position A semi-sitting position HOB is between a degree angle Support the head and arms with a pillow For persons with heart and respiratory disorders.

Supine Position The bed is flat Head and shoulders supported on a pillow Lying on their back looking upward Prone Position Lying on the abdomen with head to one side and arms are flexed towards the head Pillows placed under the head, abdomen, and lower legs

Lateral Position Side-lying position Pillows are under the head, thigh, upper arm and against the back The upper leg is in front of lower leg

Sim’s Position Left side-lying position Upper leg sharply flexed Lower arm behind the person Pillows under the head, shoulder, upper leg, and upper arm and hand.

Let’s Review the 5 Main Positions! Transparency 10-1

Bed Positions Fowlers: HOB raised degrees Semi-Fowler’s: HOB raised 30 degrees Trendelenburg’s : HOB is lowered and FOB is raised Reverse Trendelenburg’s: HOB is raised and the FOB is lowered

Things to think about… Protect residents skin  Friction Rubbing of one surface against another.  Shearing When the skin sticks to a surface and muscles slide in the direction the body is moving.

Continued… ALWAYS: 1. Wash hands 2. Explain procedure 3. Provide privacy 4. Insure resident’s safety

Turning the Resident Use proper body mechanics Position resident to assist Gently role resident on to side toward you w/o trauma or pain Leave resident in comfortable position (good body alignment, using support as needed)

Moving Resident in Bed Lower the head of the bed (as low as resident can tolerate) Place pillow at head of bed Use proper body mechanics GIVE directions and coordinate moves with your assistant Use draw sheet or incontinent pad to move resident Place pillow back under head Leave resident in position of comfort

Sitting on the Side of the Bed Raise head of bed to an upright position Use proper body mechanics Swing the legs off the side of the bed as they sit up Prevent trauma or pain Remain with residents as appropriate Leave residents in a comfortable position

Transferring Resident Gather equipment (wheel chair or chair) Use proper body mechanics Place chair or wheel chair near the bed Lock wheels or stabilize chair Assist resident into sitting position and allow them to rest before standing, if needed Safely transfer resident (prevent trauma/pain) Leave resident in comfortable position

PRACTICE… PRACTICE!!!!