Body Mechanics
Definitions
 Body mechanics: Use of the body in
an efficient way to prevent injury.
 Posture:
the arrangement of the body
and its limbs
 Base
of support: the area beneath
and between both feet
Body Alignment
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OSHA
Occupational Safety &
Health Administration
Mission: to assure safe and healthful
working conditions for working men and
women.
 They set and enforce standards for
safety.
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Continued…
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Muscles
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Shoulders, upper arms, hips and thighs.
Process for lifting


Bend your knees and squat
Hold items close to your body and to your base
of support.
Lifting Heavy Objects from the Floor
Back muscles
must lift the
object and half
of the body
Legs and thighs
do the lifting
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Ergonomics
Definitions


The science of designing the job to fit the worker.
The goal is to prevent musculoskeletal
disorders (MSDs)
Back Injuries

Occurs from repeated activities over time or
from one event.

Signs and symptoms

OSHA lists factors leading to back disorders
Fowler’s Position

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A semi-sitting position
HOB is between a 45-90 degree angle
Support the head and arms with a pillow
For persons with heart and respiratory
disorders.
Supine Position

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The bed is flat
Head and shoulders supported on a pillow
Lying on their back looking upward
Prone Position

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Lying on the abdomen with head to one side
and arms are flexed towards the head
Pillows placed under the head, abdomen,
and lower legs
Lateral Position

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Side-lying position
Pillows are under the head, thigh, upper arm
and against the back
The upper leg is in front of lower leg
Sim’s Position
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Left side-lying position
Upper leg sharply flexed
Lower arm behind the person
Pillows under the head, shoulder, upper leg,
and upper arm and hand.
Let’s Review the 5 Main Positions!
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Bed Positions
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Fowlers: HOB raised 45-90 degrees
Semi-Fowler’s: HOB raised 30 degrees
Trendelenburg’s: HOB is lowered and FOB is
raised

Reverse Trendelenburg’s: HOB is raised and
the FOB is lowered
Things to think about…

Protect residents skin
 Friction
 Rubbing of one surface against
another.
 Shearing
 When the skin sticks to a surface
and muscles slide in the direction
the body is moving.
Continued…
ALWAYS:
1. Wash hands
2. Explain procedure
3. Provide privacy
4. Insure resident’s safety
Turning the Resident
Use
proper body mechanics
Position resident to assist
Gently role resident on to side toward
you w/o trauma or pain
Leave resident in comfortable position
(good body alignment, using support as
needed)
Moving Resident in Bed

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Lower the head of the bed (as low as resident
can tolerate)
Place pillow at head of bed
Use proper body mechanics
GIVE directions and coordinate moves with
your assistant
Use draw sheet or incontinent pad to move
resident
Place pillow back under head
Leave resident in position of comfort
Sitting on the Side of the Bed
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Raise head of bed to an upright position
Use proper body mechanics
Swing the legs off the side of the bed
as they sit up
Prevent trauma or pain
Remain with residents as appropriate
Leave residents in a comfortable
position
Transferring Resident
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Gather equipment (wheel chair or chair)
Use proper body mechanics
Place chair or wheel chair near the bed
Lock wheels or stabilize chair
Assist resident into sitting position and allow
them to rest before standing, if needed
Safely transfer resident (prevent
trauma/pain)
Leave resident in comfortable position
PRACTICE…
PRACTICE…
PRACTICE!!!!