BODY
MECHANICS
What is body mechanics?
• The movement of the body in an efficient
and careful way. It involves good posture
and balance, as well as using the strongest
and largest muscles for work.
• Good body mechanics reduce the risk of
injury.
• Health care workers who lift patients
frequently are at a higher risk for back
related injuries
• Because of this, the proper use of body
mechanics when lifting and transferring
patients is critical
BODY ALIGNMENT (POSTURE)
• Is the way the body parts are positioned in relation to
one another
• Good body alignment allows the body to move and work
with strength and efficiency, reduces strain on muscles
and joints and prevents injury
When a person is standing in good posture…
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Head and neck are erect and straight
Shoulders and hips are parallel to each other
Shoulders are back
Chest is out
Spine maintains natural lumbar curve
Abdomen is tucked in and the pelvis tilted in (aka “pelvic tilt”)
Knees are slightly flexed
Arms are hanging comfortably at the sides
Feet are about shoulder-width apart
Toes are pointing forward; one foot is slightly forward
EVERYONE STAND UP… ARE YOU IN GOOD POSTURE?
• Lying down and sitting also require good
alignment.
FEET POSITION
• Is important when applying good body mechanics
• Base of support is the area on which an object rests.
• A wide base of support provides more stability and balance
than a narrow base of support.
• The strongest and largest muscles are in the shoulders,
upper arms, hips and thighs
• These muscles should be used for lifting and moving
• Using smaller, weaker muscles (like the ones of the
lower back) will place strain and exertion on your back
and lead to fatigue over time
Some helpful guidelines…
• Assess the situation first. Do you need help with the situation?
Call a colleague
• Face your work area. This prevents unnecessary twisting.
• Bend at your knees and hips and squat when lifting or setting
down objects below your waist.
• Tighten your stomach muscles and tuck in your pelvis. Keep
your back straight, use your legs and thigh muscles to lift NOT
YOUR BACK.
• Hold objects close to your body when lifting
• Avoid unnecessary bending and reaching. Adjust equipment to
proper height.
• Turn your whole body, DO NOT TWIST at the waist.
• Push, slide or pull heavy objects whenever you can rather that
lifting them