3.1 Introduction
Body mechanics is defined as “the efficient and careful use of the body in moving and lifting”. The goals of body mechanics are to conserve energy and to prevent injury. A thorough knowledge of body mechanics is essential if you are to safely carry out your role as a HCA. Body mechanics, however, is not just confined to your working hours. All areas of your life demand a conscious awareness by you of the need to practice safe body mechanics.
When working as an HCA, you cannot avoid lifting, whether it is assisting a client or lifting a load of laundry. However, you can control how you are lifting. Back injuries, wrist and shoulder injuries are all too common among health care workers. Many of these injuries could be prevented if workers used correct body mechanics and kept themselves physically fit.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this unit, the successful student will be able to:
- Describe body mechanics and principles of body mechanics.
- Describe the main functions of the spine.
- Explain good body alignment and good posture.
- Explain how we maintain a healthy back.
- Describe guidelines for good body mechanics.
- Describe musculoskeletal injury.
Terms to Know
The efficient and careful use of the body in moving and lifting.
The way in which body parts (head, trunk arms and legs) are positioned in relation to one another.
A coordination of muscle activity with neurological integration. It involves the basic elements of body alignment (posture), balance, and coordinated movement.
The point in the body in which weight is evenly distributed or balanced on either side.
Standing with feet shoulder width apart to improve stability.
Ability to maintain the line of gravity within a base of support.
