Muscles work best when used correctly Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling, and

pushing easier Correct application of body mechanics prevents

unnecessary fatigue and strain, and saves energy Correct application of body mechanics prevents

injury to self and others When we don't move correctly and safely, the spine

is subjected to abnormal stresses that over time can lead to degeneration of spinal structures like discs and joints, injury, and unnecessary wear and tear.

The healthcare worker can harm themselves, but further more they can hurt the patient that they are taking care of. Injuries to the already sick patient caused by bad body mechanics can cause many other problems

The hips and knees should bend in order to pick up an object. The actual steps to pick up an object are as follows:Step 1: Before doing any lifting, determine if the object

is too heavy or notStep 2: Keep the natural curvature of spine while liftingStep 3: Place your feet shoulder width apart before

beginning the lift. This increases stability and provides a firm foundation

Step 4: Bend at the knees and hips to pick up the objectStep 5: Pull the object close to your body. This

maintains the center of gravity

When you bend down with your back, you are only bending with those muscles, which makes the lifting weak as well as more likely to cause injury. However, when you use your legs, you use both your hip and leg muscles to lift the object, and more muscles used gives a less chance for causing injury.

HINT: When

someone ABDUCTS

you, they take you AWAY

HINT:For

Adduction, you ADD to your body

HINT:Think about it as

if you were PLANTING your

foot in the ground

Body Mechanics and OSHA OSHA emphasizes body mechanics in

relation to healthcare workers because according to the United States Department of Labor OSHA Fact Sheet, 80 percent of worker compensation claims involving an employee moving a heavy object were for the lower back, and 75 percent of those were due to lifting. [That’s why good body mechanics are important!]

Is it safer to bend at your knees or at your back? True or False: Plantar Flexion is when you are pointing

the foot upwards. True or False: Abduction is movement away from the

midline of the body. True or False: You try to pick up an object, no matter how

much it weighs. True or False: When you pronate your arm, the palm

faces forward True or False: You can have severe back injury if you do

not follow good body mechanics.