Unit 3 Body Mechanics and erogomics_1.0.docx

 1  1. **Describe of the fundamental principles of ergonomics** 2. **Define Body Mechanics** 3. **Define Good Posture** 4. **Define Balance** 5. **Define Base of Support** 6. **Define Centre of Gravity** 7. **Describe the Basic Principles of...

 1  1. **Describe of the fundamental principles of ergonomics** 2. **Define Body Mechanics** 3. **Define Good Posture** 4. **Define Balance** 5. **Define Base of Support** 6. **Define Centre of Gravity** 7. **Describe the Basic Principles of Good Balance**  8. **How to Hold Objects Close to Your Body** 9. **Describe how to lift objects** 9. **Describe of the fundamental principles of ergonomics** 1. Clarify and expound upon the foundational principles of ergonomics succinctly outlining the 10 core tenets with precision and clarity.\" - Ergonomics and body mechanics are closely related concepts, but they have distinct focuses and applications:  Ergonomics Definition: ====================== - the study of people\'s efficiency in their working environment and is a very important factor in the well being of workers. Body mechanics Definition: ========================== - Proper use of the human body to do work, to avoid injury and strain ( using the right muscles to do the job ) - Without proper attention to proper ergonomic principles the following problems may occur: - Fatigue - Muscular/ skeletal problems - Monotony, can lead to errors - Eye strain - Lower morale  - Awkward postures or movements - Repetitive movements - The amount of force applied  1. Principle 1- Work in Neutral Postures 2. Principle 2- Reduce Excessive Force 3. Principle 3- Keep Everything in Easy Reach 4. Principle 4- Work at Proper Heights 5. Principle 5- Reduce Excessive Motions 6. Principle 6 - Minimize Fatigue and Static Load 7. Principle 7- Minimize Pressure Points 8. Principle 8-Provide Clearance 9. Principle 9- Move, Exercise, and Stretch 10. Principle 10- Maintain a Comfortable Environment  - It is important to maintain the spine natural S-curve of the back, whether sitting or standing. - Working for long periods with your back in a - Bending over creates a great deal of pressure on the spine. - Neck bones are part of the spinal column and thus are subject to the same requirements of maintaining the S-curve. Prolonged twisting and bent postures of the neck can be as stressful as its equivalent for the lower back - Keeps elbows at sides. The neutral posture for your arms is to keep you elbows at your sides and your shoulders relaxed. - Keep Wrists in neutral. Use wrist rest.  - Excessive force on your joints can create a potential for fatigue and injury. - Use the proper equipment to reduce excessive force. - Example trollys, carts, etc  - This principle deals with keeping things within easy reach. In many ways, this principle is redundant with posture, but it helps to evaluate a task from this specific perspective.  - The \"reach envelope.\" This is the semi-circle that your arms make as you reach out.  - Do most work at elbow height. Most work should be done at about elbow height, whether sitting or standing. - A real common example is working with a computer keyboard. Use a wrist rest - This is reduce the number of motions you make throughout a day, whether with your fingers, your wrists, your arms, or your back. - Use a power tool if possible to reduce excessive motions.  - Holding the same position for a period of time is known as static load. It creates fatigue and discomfort and can interfere with work. - Change the orientation of the work to reduce the static load  - Watch out for is excessive pressure points, - Example; Sitting. When your leg touches the table - Work areas need to be set up so that you have sufficient room for your head, your knees, and your feet. - Do not feel cramped  - If you are in one position for a long time, take a break. - Stretch, exercise  - Have proper lightening. - This includes glare, working in your own shadow, and just plain insufficient light. - Also vibrations and noise   - Balance between muscle groups - Body in good alignment - like a flexible rod - muscles of the spine are too small and not designed to lift heavy loads  - Muscles of the spine are designed to: - Bend the back in different directions - Hold back steady while you use large leg and arm muscles to do heavy work - Strong abdominal muscles support the spine and back muscles - Feet flat on the floor - Arms at the side - Back straight - Abdominal muscles tightened - Shoulders aligned with the hips  - Your balance is achieved by keeping your centre of gravity within your base of support  - The lower limb structure is designed for power and strength while the spinal structure is designed for posture - When straight, it is more stable than when flexed.  - This helps you keep your balance and helps prevent twisting of the spine  - This helps you keep the weight of the object over your base of support so your legs do the lifting, not your arms and spine  - This helps prevent twisting of the spine - Get help when an object is too heavy for you to lift. - Never strain to reach - Push load if possible  - Make sure you replace the call button - Make sure personal belongings are within reach - Keep environment clean and tidy. Remove all your supplies when leaving the room - Always put side rails in the position in which you found them  - Wipe up any spills immediately - Ensure there is adequate lighting especially in the evening - Ensure brakes are on before drawing blood from a patient in a wheel chair. Remember to release the brake before you leave if that is how you found it