Lifting Safely Remember After all – Its your back!

Objectives Learn how protect your back Learn how to lift Learn how to complete a variety of transfers

Its your back treat it kindly Practice good posture Use good body mechanics Maintain physical fitness

Posture is important Your spine is strong and stable when you stand up straight. If you slouch your muscles and ligaments must work harder. This can lead to fatigue, back pain, or leg pain.

Body Mechanics Use good body mechanics when lifting. Follow the seven principals of lifting all the time.

Seven Principles for Safe Lifting Keep your back’s natural curve as much as possible. When your spine is stacked it is strong.

Principal number 2 Keep your legs slightly apart for a good base of support. When standing, keep one foot forward for better balance. When lifting from the floor, keep your knees wide apart or go to a half kneeling position.

Principal number 3 Bend at your knees and hips- not your back. Lift with your legs.

Principal number 4 Lift objects or people close to the trunk of your body – heart to heart.

Principal number 5 Use your feet to turn- don’t twist your back. Keep your entire trunk facing what you are lifting. Lead with your hips.

Principal number 6 Wear appropriate clothing: flat-heeled, covered shoes clothes that allow movement but will not get caught.. Remove watches, bracelets, raised rings or anything that might scratch or pinch. Keep nails short and smooth

Principal number 7 Keep breathing Breath in and out thorough out the lift Do not hold your breath

Lets consider.

Think before You Lift Plan your lift Talk it through Anticipate problems Arrange the environment Do a test lift to be sure you can manage the lift

Communication is Important Talk to the person you are assisting and explain the lift. Do not assume the person cannot understand. Use your words, voice, eyes, and touch to communicate

Encourage Independence Try to find all the ways that people can help. Allow extra time for students to help themselves.

Provide Physical Support Use controlled movements—slow, smooth, segmented movements Use good body mechanics. Make good contact and provide support toward the center of the body.

Recommended Weight Guidelines for Lifting 50 pounds or less – one person lift pounds – two person lift 101 – 150 pounds – three person lift or mechanical lift.

Is Pooh ready to be lifted ?

Lock the brakes Remove seatbelt Remove chest harness Removes footplates and armrests if needed. Now he’s ready !

Moving through the lift Move so that you can use your feet to turn. DO NOT twist yourself or the person being lifted. Set the environment up in an L shape.

Head to foot transfer

Foot to head transfer

One person lift Support the head and neck. Support under the thighs but above the knees Support or cradle arms if necessary

Two person lift Decide who will be in charge. One person at the head and chest and one at the hips and legs. Communicate, know the cues you will use before you lift ie: lift.

Taller person takes the upper body.

2 nd person lifts hips and legs

Another example of a two person lift

3 person lift

Hoyer or Mechanical lift The sling travels with the student and stays in the wheelchair. Always requires 2 people. Never leave the student hanging or without close guarding.

Review -Causes of back injury 1.Poor Posture 2. Excessive forward bending 3. Decreased flexibility – especially back and legs 4. Poor physical condition 5. Accidents 6. Work habits

Questions

Treat your back right After all – Its