1. Unit 4 Personal and Workplace Safety

2. Chapter 9 Body Mechanics

3. Importance of Prevention Health care workers prone to injury Injuries usually due to poor practice and same mistakes repeated over time As one ages, risks increase

4. Risk Factors Poor posture Poor body mechanics Low level of fitness Obesity Stress –Mechanical –Psychological

5. Best Preventive Practices Good posture Regular exercise Stretching for flexibility Good nutrition habits to prevent weight gain Adoption of good lifestyle habits to reduce stress

6. Definitions Body mechanics –Correct positioning for given task Ergonomics –Science of designing and arranging work and living environments –Maximize efficiency, health, and safety

7. Question Which of the following is the best definition of body mechanics? A.Correct positioning of the body for a given task B.Science of designing and arranging things for maximum efficiency, health, and safety C.Exercises to maintain strength and flexibility

8. Answer A. Correct positioning of the body for a given task Body mechanics –Correct positioning of body for given task Ergonomics –Science of designing and arranging things for maximum efficiency, health, and safety

9. Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMI) Overuse of one body part places stress on tendons, nerves, or joints Most injuries involve hands, arms, or neck and shoulder area Causes inflammation, swelling, and pain

10. RMI Common Symptoms Pain Paresthesias Numbness, coldness, or loss of sensation Clumsiness, weakness, or lack of coordination (continued)

11. RMI Common Symptoms Popping, clicking, or cracking sound Swelling or redness in affected area Impaired range of motion (ROM) or locking of joint

12. Most Common RMIs Carpal tunnel syndrome Thoracic outlet syndrome Tendonitis

13. Question Which of the following conditions is most likely to result in an inability to make a fist? A.Carpal tunnel syndrome B.Thoracic outlet syndrome C.Tendonitis

14. Answer A. Carpal tunnel syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome affects hands and wrist –Can result in inability to make fist Thoracic outlet syndrome –Most likely to result in tingling, numbness, and pain in neck, shoulder, arms, or hands

15. Answer A. Carpal tunnel syndrome Tendonitis –Results in swelling, tenderness, or weakness in tendons of shoulders, elbows, or hands

16. General Principles Maintain three normal curves of back Warm up and stretch before and after activities Use largest joints and muscles Avoid static positions (continued)

17. General Principles Make adjustments or stop if pain occurs Use supports as recommended Seek treatment early Learn to cope with psychological stress

18. Treatment of RMIs Varies with severity of injury –Conservative measures –Surgical procedures –Physical and occupational therapists –Psychotherapy Recovery and prognosis

19. Question True or False: –With proper treatment, the prognosis for a RMI is complete recovery.

20. Answer False Some will not recover full use of affected part –Must change occupations or give up activity that produced original injury

21. Body Mechanics Proper mechanics while: –Sitting –Standing and walking –Lifting National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) statement on back belts

22. Back Belts: Pros Increases intra-abdominal pressure to support muscles during lifting Warms muscles of abdomen and back to increase flexibility Serves as reminder to follow proper body mechanics

23. Back Belts: Cons Increases blood and pelvic pressures that could cause cardiac problems Causes heat rashes Causes pain and injuries with improper fit Provides false sense of security

24. Computers and Ergonomics Impact on RMIs Use of mouse and RMI How to decrease RMIs from use of mouse

25. Computer Exercises Make fist, open hands, and spread fingers Interlace fingers and extend arms Rotate head Shrug shoulders and relax Place arm on other shoulder and turn head to opposite shoulder

26. Computer Workstation

27. Computer Standing Posture

28. Question Which of the following is the best eye level when working at a computer? A.Top of monitor just above eye level B.Top of monitor at eye level C.Top of monitor just below eye level

29. Answer C. Top of monitor just below eye level Position top of monitor just below eye level directly in front of body

30. Visual Problems Eyestrain Headaches Why eyes tire more easily when viewing computer

31. Prevent Eyestrain Look away from computer Rest eyes every 20 to 30 minutes Adjust contrast on computer Keep computer screen clean Avoid glare on screen –Use glare screen Use paper holder

32. Question True or False: –Wrist rests help prevent injuries when used during active typing.

33. Answer False Use wrist restraints during pauses to help maintain neutral position –Not meant to be used during active typing