body mechanics definitions body mechanics: use of the body in an efficient way to prevent injury....

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

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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.

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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

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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 45-90 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!

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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

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.

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ALWAYS:1. Wash hands2. Explain procedure 3. Provide privacy4. Insure resident’s safety

Turning the Resident

Use proper body mechanicsPosition resident to assistGently role resident on to side toward you w/o trauma or painLeave 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…PRACTICE!!!!