VIDEO
HIGHLIGHT
Log InSign up
Ergonomics and Body Mechanics
SummaryTranscriptChat

Ergonomics and Body Mechanics

Ergonomics and Body Mechanics for Safety

Introduction to Ergonomics

  • The session covers the basics of ergonomics, its importance, who is at risk, body mechanics for safe lifts and transfers, and assistive devices for safety.
  • The term "ergonomics" comes from Greek words: "ergon" meaning work and "nomos" meaning natural laws. It aims to adapt work conditions to suit workers.

Statistics on Workplace Injuries

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing and personal care facilities report over 200,000 work-related injuries annually.
  • Workers in long-term care are twice as likely to be injured; over half of these injuries involve the back.
  • Approximately 80% of people experience significant back pain at least once in their lives. Workers' compensation starts only after six days unless severely injured.

Importance of Proper Body Mechanics

  • Proper body mechanics can prevent injuries such as low back pain, shoulder tears, job fatigue, muscle strain, and resident injury during tasks like lifting or transferring.
  • Economic risks arise from repetitive motions or heavy lifting done with awkward postures.

Understanding Spine Anatomy

  • The spine is flexible but vulnerable; most back issues stem from strains on muscles attached by tendons and ligaments.
  • Forces on the spine increase when lifting with a bent or twisted back due to added weight from both the load and body weight.

Preparation for Safe Lifting

  • Mental and physical preparation is crucial before starting any task. Assess your ability and limitations before proceeding.
  • Clear obstacles from your path before moving objects or residents. Ensure that communication with residents is clear regarding what will happen next.

Techniques for Safe Movement

  • Always determine if assistance is needed based on the resident's ability to bear weight. If unsure about safety, seek help.
  • Maintain a wide base of support while keeping your body centered over your feet when lifting. Use leg muscles instead of your back for strength during lifts.

Execution of Transfers

  • Bring objects close to your body while tightening abdominal muscles; avoid twisting movements during transfers.
  • Utilize gravity gently by rocking side-to-side if appropriate; use gait belts for better control during transfers.

Communication During Transfers

Safety and Efficiency in Resident Transfers

Importance of Attention and Equipment Use

  • Always give your full attention to the activity at hand, anticipating unusual or unexpected situations to enhance efficiency and safety.
  • Utilize equipment whenever possible to facilitate safer transfers; OSHA recommends minimizing manual lifting of residents.

Assistive Devices for Safer Transfers

  • Employ assistive devices like slide boards or Hoyer lifts to reduce the need for manual lifting during resident transfers.
  • Shower chairs that fit over toilets can eliminate multiple transfers, saving healthcare workers from excessive lifting. Residents can be moved seamlessly between showering, toileting, and returning to a wheelchair.
  • Toilet seat risers help equalize height between wheelchairs and toilet seats, making lateral transfers easier rather than requiring lifting.

Techniques for Effective Lifting

  • Use sliding boards under residents to minimize lifting when transferring them from beds to chairs or cars; this allows for sliding instead of lifting.
  • Wheelchairs with removable arms facilitate easier lateral transfers, especially beneficial with height-adjustable beds. Giant belts should be used during position changes but never as restraints.

Cautions When Using Mechanical Lifts

  • Mechanical lift equipment like Hoyer lifts assists in lifting residents who cannot support their own weight; caution is advised with manual pumping to avoid repetitive motion injuries. Always seek guidance if unsure about proper usage.

Best Practices for Lifting and Transferring

  • Plan and prepare thoroughly before each lift or transfer; rushing can lead to accidents or injuries. Lift heavy loads close to the body without bending or twisting the spine—use your legs and arms instead of your back for strength while maintaining a wide base of support.
Video description

As you know workplace injuries can be very disruptive to the consistency of care that our residents and families expect and deserve. They can also be financially stressful to the employee as well as the company. Safety always comes first, and its important to THINK before moving an object or resident. This short video training has been created to educate all of us involved in resident care as to how to assist residents and move objects safely within our communities as well as in our personal lives at home.