natcep day 12 part two

Principles of Ergonomics, Body Mechanics and Body Alignment

NATCEP Day Twelve

Objectives• Define & discuss ergonomics as it applies to the STNA• Define body mechanics• Identify & demonstrate the rules of good body mechanics

– SKILL: Transfer Person Using Mechanic Lift– SKILL: Transfer Person Using Sit-to-Stand Lift

• Demonstrate general principles for lifting and moving residents– SKILL: Moving the Person up in Bed with an Assistive Device– SKILL: Position Person on Side– SKILL: Transfer from Bed to Wheelchair– SKILL: Transfer from Wheelchair to Bed

• Describe correct body alignment• Explain why correct body alignment is important• Demonstrate correct body alignment

Ergonomics

• Adapting the environment using techniques and equipment to prevent injury and provide more efficient care.

• Shared responsibility– STNA

• Gaining and using skills for properly caring for residents

– Employer• Facilitating a safe workplace, work environment and

appropriate equipment

Body Mechanics

• Describes the body movements used when you move a resident or an object

• Purpose– Make the best use of strength and avoid

fatigue and injury

Rules of Body Mechanics• Use as many large muscles or groups of large muscles

as possible.• Stand erect!• Place the feet apart, with the knees bent, the width of

your shoulders when lifting – broad base of support.• Be a close as possible to what you are lifting or moving.• Push, pull or roll, if possible, rather than lift a heavy

object.• Use your arms to support the object.

Rules of Body Mechanics• Work in the direction of your efforts, not against them.

Avoid twisting!• Always count with the person you’re working with and

lift/move on the same count.• Use 2 people when moving residents who cannot assist

you.• Pivot and turn with short steps or turn our whole body

when changing directions.• Use mechanical lifts or other devices per facility policy

and manufacturers’ recommendations.• Don’t follow plan of care or policy when moving

resident = neglect!

Positions

• Supine: The back-lying position• Prone: Lying on the abdomen (stomach)

with the head turned to one side.• Lateral: The side-lying position• Fowler’s: A semi-sitting position with the

head of the raised between 45-60 degrees

General Principles for Lifting and Moving the Resident

• FIRST: explain the procedure to the resident first• Protect privacy!• Give the most support to the heaviest parts of the body.• Hold the resident close to your body for best support• Use smooth and steady, not jerky, motions.• Lock the bed and chair!• Elevate the bed if possible when moving or repositioning a

bedfast resident.• Use draw sheet when indicated to avoid shearing and

tearing of skin.• Use the gait belt around the resident’s waist for safety.

Correct Body Alignment• Head

– Erect, not forward or extended backward• Spinal Cord

– Straight, normal position• Extremities

– Depends on position of person• Feet

– Walking, not slanted forward• Wrists

– Neither flexed or extended• Hips

– Straight in line with the thighs

Importance of Correct Body Alignment

• Promotes comfort• Prevents pain• Strain not placed on joints, muscles or tissue• Prevents contractures• Prevents skin breakdown• Promotes sense of well being

Correct Body Alignment

Correct Body Alignment

Correct Body Alignment

Correct Body Alignment

Correct Body Alignment