Prevention of back injuries as a health care aide.??

You should be sent on a special course to show you how to protect your back by your employer. If you have not been sent on the course, then you need to ask about it. Health and Safety at Work!

GET CLOSE TO THE LOAD Get as close to the load as possible鈥?as if you鈥檙e hugging the object. Having the object close to your body put less force on your low back.

MAINTAIN YOUR CURVES.
Keep yourself in an upright position while squatting to pick up

TIGHTEN YOUR STOMACH MUSCLES
Tightening the stomach helps support the spine. Don't hold your breath while tightening the muscles.

LIFT WITH YOUR LEGS
Your legs are the strongest muscles in your body鈥?so use them.

PIVOT DON'T TWIST
Turn with your feet, not your back. It isn't built for twisting from side to side.

Large or Heavy Loads.
If a load is too heavy to lift alone, ask for help. Pick one person to coach the lift 鈥?this way you lift and lower at the same time.

Overhead Loads. If a load is above your shoulders, use a step stool to elevate yourself until the load is at least chest level鈥?preferably waist height. Pull the object close to your body and then lift. Remember to maintain your curves 鈥?use your arms and legs to do the work.

Learn how to lift focusing all the weight on your back thigh muscles and your butt muscles. Use two people for lifting to be safe unless your patient is trained to help you. Most patients need direction in this. Placing the wheelchair on the correct side of a disabled persons bed, chair or toilet will enable them to stand and pivot the shortest distance to where they are turning to. Most facilities have training ,reading material and video for health care aides.