1. Ergonomics and Long Term Care

2. Fitting the job/task to the worker not the worker to the job
Definition
Fitting the job/task to the worker not the worker to the job

3. Risk Factors
Injuries are caused over time by repeated exposure to a combination of risk factors that include but are not limited to the following:
Awkward Posture
Excessive Force
Repetition
Other Factors
Temperature
Gloves
Lighting

4. Ergonomic Controls Administration Employees Engineering
Ergonomic controls are the responsibility of everyone in order to maintain an environment that encourages safety and wellness.
Administration
Employees
Engineering

5. Prevention for Material Handlers
Ergonomics is fitting the task to the worker. The application of ergonomic principles in combination with proper body mechanics has proven to be successful in decreasing the number of complaints of discomfort associated with cumulative trauma disorders (CTD’s).
Failure to comply with these basic recommendations may result in neck, back, and upper extremity injuries

6. Prevention for Material Handlers
Check Your Work Area
Floor surface dry/clean
Minimize confined spaces
Destination clear for load
Heavy items placed at waist height
Check Your Habits
Test load before handling
When possible, use equipment
Get help if needed
Good communication between co-workers
Plan the transfer from lift to destination
Always use proper body mechanics
Increase flexibility during breaks
Check Your Posture
Broad base of support
Use legs to power transfer
Keep the load close to your body
Maintain natural curve of back and neck
Avoid twisting

7. Prevention for Patient Handlers
Check Your Work Habits
Assess task before handling
When possible, use equipment
Get help if needed
Good communication amongst co-workers
Plan the transfer from lift to destination
Always use proper body mechanics
Increase flexibility during breaks
Adjust bed height to decrease stooping and maximize leverage (about waist height or a little higher)
Make sure there are two of you, one on each side for boosts and/or transfers
Allow patient to help if possible with a trapeze or by pushing with legs
Use legs and weight shift when moving patient up, don’t twist, step with feet
Keep patient close and avoid reaching
Use transfer belts, sliding boards, or mechanical lifts when possible

8. Prevention for Patient Handlers
Check Your Posture
When working with a patient when they are in bed or sitting in a chair, check your posture:
Adjust bed height to decrease stooping
One knee on edge of bed or lunge position
Proper alignment (ears in line with shoulders in line with hips)
Shoulders back with elbows bent
Shoulders back and straight, not hunched
Bending over from hips keeping back straight
If need to get lower, use legs and bend knees

9. Summary
As you have concluded, knowledge is the first step in ensuring a safe work environment for everyone.
Health begins with you
Your company has invested in this training so you can become more involved in your own safety and health.
Incorporate the principles expressed within this training as you go through your work, home and leisure life.
Now the rest is up to you…