Proper Body Mechanics in the Home Setting

The use of proper body mechanics is an important way to prevent injury to the health care worker as well as to the client. Health Care Assistants should always keep in mind proper body mechanics during their work with clients, whether it is while bathing, ambulating, or assisting with transfers. Ensure all the equipment used with the client is in good working order. Always remember the importance of ensuring locks are braked on wheelchairs, chairs, and beds, to prevent accidental injuries.

Using proper body mechanics is of utmost importance. Proper body mechanics means using the body in an efficient and safe way. Using proper body mechanics prevents Health Care Assistants from injuring themselves or a client. Health Care Assistants should always be aware of performing care activities safely, and they should also encourage their client to do the same. Show a client safe ways of doing things and good body mechanics. Remember, using proper body mechanics helps prevent injury. This applies to both and their clients. Review the procedure in Unit 3: Body Mechanics.

Maintaining Proper Body Mechanics

• When standing, keep your feet about hip width apart, about 30 cm. This provides a strong base of support and balance for you to work.
• Always bend at your hips and knees when lifting or stooping, instead of bending at the waist and overextending your back.
• Use the larger and stronger muscles of your thighs, hips, shoulders, and upper arms while bending or lifting objects. This protects your back and smaller muscles from injury.
• Hold heavy objects close to your body when lifting or carrying them.
• Turn your entire body, including your head and legs toward the care activity you are doing, rather than twisting.
• Remember good posture. Keep your back and trunk straight and aligned with your hips and your head facing forward toward the direction you are working. This prevents twisting, which increases your risk of injury.
• Always raise the bed to waist height when working with a client who is in bed, or making a bed. This prevents unnecessary bending of your back.
• When pushing, place one leg forward. When pulling, move one leg back. This provides you with a stronger and more stable base of support than if both legs were next to each other.
• Whenever possible, have another person help you with lifting, rolling, or moving clients.
• Have others help you with lifting or moving heavy objects.
• Do not perform care activities that will be physically dangerous to you, or for which you may not physically be capable.
• Keep in mind that when moving a client, the path or direction in which you are moving must be clear of objects that could get in the way and cause potential injury.
• Always lock the brakes on the bed and wheelchair before transferring a client. This prevents the bed or wheelchair from moving and causing potential injury to you or the client.