1. 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

2. Body Alignment
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3. Health Administration
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.

4. Continued… Muscles Process for lifting
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.

5. Lifting Heavy Objects from the Floor
Back muscles must lift the object and half of the body
Legs and thighs do the lifting
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6. Ergonomics Definitions
The science of designing the job to fit the worker.
The goal is to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

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

8. 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.

9. Supine Position Prone 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Let’s Review the 5 Main Positions!
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13. Bed Positions Fowlers: HOB raised 45-90 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

14. 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.

15. Continued… ALWAYS: Wash hands Explain procedure Provide privacy
Insure resident’s safety

16. 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)

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. PRACTICE…
PRACTICE!!!!