body mechanics for the pest control technician and anyone else, for that matter
TRANSCRIPT
Body Mechanics for the Pest Control Technician
And anyone else, for that matter
Why Do We Work?To earn a living
Money to enjoy life outside of workHobbies, family, vacations, homes, cars, boats, etc.
If we become injured at work, we have defeated our
purpose
Better DecisionsOur Agenda
MechanicsHow our body works/anatomy
TechniqueKeeping neutral postures and avoiding injuryWork examples
StretchesSelf careTraining plan and tools for you
Mechanics to apply to the various tasks they
encounter
Techniques for preventing sprains and
strains
Knowledge to make better decisions on how to lift or move
anything
MechanicsThe spineJelly donut
MechanicsThe spineJelly donut
Lazy “S”CervicalThoracicLumbar
1. Cervical (C-1 to C-7) - Seven vertebrae in the neck support and move the head.
2. Thoracic (T-1 to T-12) - Twelve vertebrae in the chest/upper back area support the shoulders and upper body.
3. Lumbar (L-1 to L-5) - Five vertebrae in the low back support most of the body weight so they are the largest and strongest of all vertebrae.
4. Sacrum - Triangular structure of the five attached vertebrae. They form the base of the vertebral column.5. Coccyx (tailbone) - Four attached vertebrae.
MechanicsThe spineJelly donut
Lazy “S”CervicalThoracicLumbar
Wide “C”Force/loadTwist/turn
Neutral PosturesThat position in which a body part
works the most efficiently, is the strongest, and is the least likely to be injured.
Wrist SpineShoulderKnee
Our Acronym for Technique
Bring it close
Always pivot
Keep chin up and chest out
BBAACCKK
Check your load/plan your move
Bring it Close
Bring the load as close to your center of gravity as possible
Move IT toward you or you toward IT before handling the weight
Use your “GREEN ZONE”
Green Zone
Legend
•23” or greater
•16-23”16-23”
•Up to 16”
Always PivotMove your feet
Avoid loading the spine and twisting
Avoid reaching out of neutral posture and twisting
Think basketball, golf, and skating
Check your load Bump itWeightStability
Plan your route
Visualize the movePlan the placement
Keep Chin Up and Chest
Out•Keep your chin up and chest out when:
•Lifting
•Pushing/Pulling
•Standing/Sitting
•Neutral spine – Lazy “S”
•Keep the Curves
•Strongest
•Most efficient
Handling Techniquesbreak down tasks
Assisted one-hand lift
Golf lift
Crouch lift with knee
assist
Roll the item into the “GREEN ZONE”
Handling Technique
s
Basic lift from floor or ground level to higher level
Handling Techniques
Store or keep items at “GREEN ZONE” height whenever possible
Organize your truck or supply room so the heaviest items are most easily accessed at waist level or near the side of the truck bed
Talk About Work Examples
Attic access Crawl space accessTruck accessDrivingLift/Push/Pull
Reverse postures30/30 Ergo Stretch
For every 30 minutes of a sustained posture or repetitive motion, reverse that action for 30 seconds.Foot upWall crouchHamstringUpper extremity
Before You BeginCheck condition
Warm musclesPost drive/pre work review
HamstringsUpper extremityReverse bend low back
Self-Care
A =I =M=
Ice
Movement
Anti-inflammatory
Field ObservationsTechnician Body Mechanics Observation Checklist
Observant of surroundings YES NO
slip/trip/fall hazards
stairs/ladders/attics/crawl spaces
Uses proper material handling techniques when lifting/pushing/pulling/reaching
Brings the load close or gets close to the load
Always pivots or moves feet/ no twisting of loaded spine
Checks the load and the move or lift prior to initiating
Keeps the chin up and chest out for a neutral spine/"S" curve
Technician name: Date of Observation:
Observer Name:
Comments or Coaching specific to observation:
Training planMake it your ownTrain your classroom trainerTrain your field observersIncorporate into new hire training planTrain existing employeesReinforce at regular intervals
CDPresentationSpeakers notesExtras on stretching Extras on liftingPosters
Other Tools
PestSure University Back Safety
Safe Lifting Techniques 12 minute Safety Source Video
Back Injury Prevention 9 minute Safety Source Video
Preventing Slips, Trips, & Falls 10 minute Safety Source Video
Slips and Falls 5 minute Safety Source Video
PestSure UniversitySlips, Trips and Falls
RULES TO STRETCH BY •Warm up first: warm muscles, tendons, and ligaments are more flexible and stretch more easily; stretching cold muscles can cause tears.
•Stretches should always be gradual and gentle.
•Hold each stretch in a static position for 10 to 20 seconds, allowing the muscle to lengthen slowly.
•Do not bounce; bouncing actually causes muscle fibers to shorten, not lengthen. Stretch only to the point of resistance; if the stretch hurts, you´re pushing too hard.
•Don´t rush through the stretching routine; use it to prepare yourself mentally and physically for activity.
Upper Extremity
Stretch
Hamstring Stretch1.Place heel of leg being stretched on box or bench that is approximately knee height (can also be performed with the heel on the floor).
2.Make sure hips are kept square (ie facing forwards not twisted to the side)
3.Keep stretched leg as straight as possible and lean forwards from the hip with buttocks out and back straight
4.Do not hunch your back or slouch forward
5.Get to the point of a mild stretch and hold 6.Repeat for each leg
Back Stretch•Stand up and place your hands on your hips toward the small of your back •Slowly lean back as far as you can, tilting your head to gently stretch your neck •Be sure to support your back with your hands and arms!
•Return to normal position
Lifting Safely
The best path to a healthy back is to control your weight, exercise, and reduce back stress caused by lifting or poor posture. Excessive upper body weight—for example, potbellies—contributes to poor back posture and back pain because of the added stress placed on the components of the back. A regular exercise program that includes flexibility and strengthening exercises can help prevent injury or re-injury to your back. Consult your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program. Improper lifting is the most common way to injure your back. However, back injuries usually are not caused by one incorrect lift. They are caused by years of lifting incorrectly. Two of the most common lifting mistakes are bending at the waist instead of the knees and holding the load too far out in front of you. Before making any lift, test the load by pushing the object lightly with your hands or feet to determine the approximate weight of the object. Use your leg muscles instead of your back muscles. Do not twist during the lift. The proper technique for lifting is to:
•place your feet apart with one foot slightly forward for stability •bend at the knees—not waist—while keeping your back as straight as possible •stand as close to the load as possible and grip it firmly •tighten your abdominal muscles as soon as you lift to support your spine.
When you reach for an object, be sure to maintain good posture. If an object is beyond arm's length or is overhead, do not strain to grasp it. Rather, stand on a solid platform, such as a step stool or ladder, with your feet flat and slightly apart so the load is even with your shoulders. To limit strain and reduce your chances of pulling a muscle, slide the object close to your body.
Props for TrainingGallon jugs of waterBoxes and bags of items they usePositive reinforcement rewards (candy)Photo’s of your work situationsHandouts
Stretches and proper techniqueField Observation Form