Essential Body Mechanics for Healthcare Professionals

1. Healthcare Professional Safety Body Mechanics Page 349 2.01 Understand safety procedures

2. Healthcare Professional Safety Body Mechanics The way in which the body moves & maintains balance while making the most efficient use of all its parts 2.01 Understand safety procedures 2.01 Understand safety procedures

3. Healthcare Professional Safety Body Mechanics Reasons for use: Muscles work best when used correctly Makes lifting, pulling, and pushing easier Prevents unnecessary fatigue & strain & saves energy Prevents injury to self or others 2.01 Understand safety procedures 2.01 Understand safety procedures

4. 2.01 Understand safety procedures

5. Healthcare Professional Safety 8 rules of Body Mechanics 1- Maintain a broad base of support (feet 8-10 inches apart, one foot slightly forward, weight balanced on both feet and pointing toes in the direction of movement) 2.01 Understand safety procedures 2.01 Understand safety procedures

6. Healthcare Professional Safety Body Mechanics 2- Bend at the hips and knees, NOT waist; keep back straight 2.01 Understand safety procedures 2.01 Understand safety procedures

7. Healthcare Professional Safety Body Mechanics 3- Use the strongest muscles (shoulders, upper arms, hips, thighs) NOT back muscles-they are weak 2.01 Understand safety procedures 2.01 Understand safety procedures

8. Healthcare Professional Safety Body Mechanics 4- Use your body weight to help push or pull (pushing is better). When possible push, slide, or pull rather than lift. 2.01 Understand safety procedures 2.01 Understand safety procedures

9. Healthcare Professional Safety Body Mechanics 5- Carry heavy objects close to the body 2.01 Understand safety procedures 2.01 Understand safety procedures

10. Healthcare Professional Safety Body Mechanics 6- Avoid twisting the body 2.01 Understand safety procedures 2.01 Understand safety procedures

11. Healthcare Professional Safety Body Mechanics 7- Avoid bending for extended periods 2.01 Understand safety procedures 2.01 Understand safety procedures

12. Healthcare Professional Safety Body Mechanics 8- Get help if the person or object is too heavy for you to lift 2.01 Understand safety procedures 2.01 Understand safety procedures

13. Healthcare Professional SafetyBody Mechanics Rules: 1 Maintain a broad base of support 2 Bend at the hips and knees to get close to the person or object 3 Use the strongest muscles 4 Use your body weight to help push, or pull 5 Carry heavy objects close to the body 6 Avoid twisting the body 7 Avoid bending for extended periods 8 Get help if the person or object is too heavy for you to lift 2.01 Understand safety procedures 2.01 Understand safety procedures

14. Using Body Mechanicspg 350-51 2.01 Understand safety procedures

15. Ergonomics page 338 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGq7TVOwA60 (3:20) Applied science used to promote the safety and well-being of a person by adapting the environment and using techniques to prevent injuries. 2.01 Understand safety procedures

16. Ergonomics Correct placement of furniture & equipment An awareness of the environment to prevent injuries 2.01 Understand safety procedures

17. Lab practice of body mechanics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8za7q6AcZ8 (0:31) 2.01 Understand safety procedures