1. Essential Question?? What are body mechanics and why are they important to a healthcare worker ?

2. Body Mechanics And Ergonomics: Ways to prevent injury!

3. Body Mechanics Refers to ways the body moves and maintains balance, while making the best use of all of its parts.

4. 4 Main Reasons for Good Body Mechanics Muscles work best when used correctly Correct use of muscles makes lifting, pulling and pushing easier Proper use of body mechanics prevent strain and stress and saves energy. Proper use of body mechanics prevents injury to self and others.

5. 8 Rules 1.Broad base of support- feet 8-10 inches apart, one foot slightly forward, balancing weight on both feet, and pointing toes in direction on movement. 2.Bend from hips and knees & keep back straight. NEVER bend at the waist. 3.Use strongest muscles to do the job. Back muscles are the weakest, so use arms, hips, thighs, and shoulders.

6. 8 Rules 4.Use weight of body to help push or pull. Avoid pulling or lifting when it is possible to push. 5.Carry heavy objects close to the body. Also, stand close to object or person being moved. 6.Avoid twisting your body as you work. Move entire body when you change direction.

7. 8 Rules 7.Avoid bending for long periods of time. 8.If patient or object is too heavy, get help either from another person or from equipment.

8. Exercise While standing at your desk, use a broad base of support. Place a textbook on the floor. Bend from your hips and knees to pick up the book and return to standing. Place book between thumb and forefingers and hold book straight out in front of you. Now move the book in toward your body. Notice the difference? Which way is easier?

9. Ergonomics Science used to promote safety of person by adapting environment and using of mechanic techniques to avoid injury. Over 75% of healthcare staff are injured each year due to poor body mechanics. Ergonomics includes correct placement of furniture and equipment, training muscles and avoiding repetitive movement to avoid injury and accidents.

10. Activity & Skill Check Off Practice body mechanics with your partner doing a peer check off with page 110 in your workbooks. You will be individually checked off on proper body mechanics skills and this will count as a test grade. After you have been checked off-complete workbook page 109 questions 1, 2, & 3. If you finish the workbook questions, you can use computer for semester project work

11. Wrap up 1. Why use good body mechanics in healthcare? 2. What is a broad base of support? 3. Which is best? Pushing or pulling and why?