Ergo-Motion Consulting

Part 7: Maintain a Stable Base of Support

diana — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:00:34 +0000

The following are lifting principles to encourage safe lifting mechanics:

Part 7: Maintain a Stable Base of Support

When lifting, position the legs shoulders-width apart to maintain a stable base of support. When lifting to higher levels stagger legs front to back and transfer weight from rear to front leg. Attempt to keep both feet firmly on the floor to further enhance stability. When lowering the weight to the floor ensure that elbows are straight to avoid crouching too low (knees at less than a 90° angle). Arising from this position places increased stress upon the knees, does not allow for optimal muscle use and is a less stable starting position.

Lifting should be a smooth, continuous movement as jerking movements place greater stress upon the spine. Initially learning to use correct body mechanics is like learning a new sport. The positions and movements will feel awkward at first, but with practice they will become more comfortable and familiar. Correct body mechanics should not take any longer to perform than poor body mechanics and therefore should not affect production

This ergo-tip is a part of an ergo-tip series about safe lifting mechanics. This ergo-tip concludes the Safe Lifting Mechanics Series. Please visit the table of contents at http://www.ergo-motion.com/category/ergo-tips/ to view previous and other available posts.

Part 6: Pivot From the Feet, Do Not Twist the Spine

diana — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:00:06 +0000

The following are lifting principles to encourage safe lifting mechanics:

Part 6: Pivot From the Feet, Do Not Twist the Spine

Rotating the spine during lifting or moving an object puts a rotational stress on the structures of the spine. Repetitive twisting movements create excessive shearing forces on the disc and surrounding structures which can weaken these areas leaving them more susceptible to injury. By turning or pivoting the feet, the large leg muscles are used and the stresses are mostly absorbed by the legs.

This ergo-tip is a part of an ergo-tip series about safe lifting mechanics. Please visit the table of contents at http://www.ergo-motion.com/category/ergo-tips/ for other available posts. There will be one post released every Tuesday.

Part 5: Lift With the Legs

diana — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:00:59 +0000

The following are lifting principles to encourage safe lifting mechanics:

Part 5: Lift With the Legs

Lifting with the legs allows the large muscle groups of the legs to take the stress of the lift rather than the back. The leg muscles are capable of lifting larger loads for longer periods. This decreases the risk of developing a back or neck problem.

Part 4: Keep the Load Close to the Body

diana — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:00:34 +0000

The following are lifting principles to encourage safe lifting mechanics:

Part 4: Keep the Load Close to the Body

Keeping the load close to the body decreases the forces on the spine. A load lifted at arms-length away places 10 times the load on the spine as lifting an object close to the body. Excessive loading of the spine increases the risk of back injury.

Part 3: Promote Neutral Alignment

diana — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:00:24 +0000

The following are lifting principles to encourage safe lifting mechanics:

Part 3: Promote Neutral Alignment

Neutral alignment occurs when the spine is held upright, maintaining its natural curvature. This neutral position equalizes the stresses through all structures of the spine. In a position that deviates from neutral, excess stress will be placed on some structures, for example, bending forward increases the pressure inside the disc. The increased stresses on a structure can increase risk of injury to that structure. Neutral alignment can be obtained by keeping the back erect and tightening the abdominal muscles.

Part 2: Test the Load

diana — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:00:20 +0000

The following are lifting principles to encourage safe lifting mechanics:

Part 2: Test the Load

Testing the load before lifting ensures the load is not above a person’s maximal capabilities. This prevents a surprise when lifting which could place a person at high risk. For example, a small package may be very heavy or a large package may be very light. Injury can occur when attempting to accommodate the load.

Part 1- Plan Ahead

diana — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:00:24 +0000

The following are lifting principles to encourage safe lifting mechanics:

Part 1: Plan ahead

Ensure sure the path of movement is clear to prevent tripping. If possible, reduce the weight of the load by: reducing packaging size, unpacking heavy boxes, reducing the number of objects moved at once or assigning additional workers to help lift heavy loads. Move the object the shortest distance possible, and sort heavier objects at hip/waist height (rather than on lower higher shelves) to decrease the stress on the body. Encourage the use of mechanical aids (cranes, dollies, forklift) when possible.

Part 3: Treatment for Back Pain

diana — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:00:55 +0000

1. Despite the type of exercises that will be performed, everything else done to treat the most common two different types of back pain is similar. Active rest is recommended. However contrary to popular belief and practice, complete bed rest is not ideal. What is preferable is to rest a couple days without putting much pressure on the lower back. After these few days of rest, consider doing some activity, where more pressure is put on the back; movement is required. Actual bed rest will weaken the muscles of the body, including the lower back, and increase the likelihood of chronic back pain.

2. Stand rather than sit, however if you must sit, then have a good lumbar support and use arm rests.

3. Consult with a doctor in how to resume activities gradually, safely and effectively.

4. Fix situations in the workplace or at home which may exacerbate back pain. This may include using proper lifting techniques so to decrease the amount of stress on the lower back.

Not everything needs to be done in the treatment suggestions above because back pain is different. Some treatments will work for some people but not for others.

If pain or discomfort is present, do not hesitate to see a doctor. Ergo-Motion Consulting has devised a convenient ergonomic assessment tool to determine if an ergonomic assessment is beneficial for individuals and companies alike. Feel free to visit ergotool.ergo-motion.com to take the assessment.

This ergo-tip is a part of an ergo-tip series about musculoskeletal injuries. This ergo-tip concludes the Back Pain Series. Please visit the table of contents at http://www.ergo-motion.com/category/ergo-tips/ to view previous and other available posts. There will be one post released every Tuesday.

Part 2: Classifiable Pain – Mackenzie Exercises and Williams Exercises

diana — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:06 +0000

There are two main types of back pain: one is when pain is present with forward bending at the hips, the second is when pain is present with backwards bending at the hips. Based on this information, the proper rehabilitation can begin.

If pain is present with forward bending, then rehabilitation will begin with McKenzie exercises (extension exercises).

If pain is present with backward bending, then rehabilitation will begin with Williams exercises (flexion exercises).

This ergo-tip is a part of an ergo-tip series about musculoskeletal injuries. Please visit the table of contents at http://www.ergo-motion.com/category/ergo-tips/ for other available posts. There will be one post released every Tuesday.

Part 1: What is Back Pain?

diana — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:02 +0000

First let us discuss the structures surrounding the back. There are ligaments which attach to the vertebra, there are nerves which run throughout the spine, and there are muscles which attach to the vertebrae. Injury to any of these three structures can cause back pain. Repetitive bending or twisting motions, whole-body vibration, and even some personal factors can be the reasons for low back pain.

Despite the many reasons for back pain, it is not uncommon to be unable to pinpoint the exact reason for back pain in an individual. The most important thing is to be able to define what type of pain is experienced so that the proper rehabilitation may begin.