MSDs, Back Care & Zero Lift
Jan 15, 2016
MSDs, Back Care & Zero Lift
It can happen to you: Back injury Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)
When performing every day tasks: Moving residents Housekeeping Reaching for supplies Typing
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)
Injuries that affect muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves
Can develop when the same muscles are used over and over again or for a long time without taking time to rest
Chance of getting this type of injury increases if the force exerted is high and/or the job requires an awkward posture
Examples of musculoskeletal disorders include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and tenosynovitis.
MDS Symptoms
The symptoms generally include:
Pain with or without movement
Swelling and tenderness
Reduced range of motion and/or stiffness, and
Tingling and/or numbness in nerve-related injuries or disorders.
Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders
Avoid awkward body positions
Avoid overextended and awkward reaches
Avoid repetitive or heavy bending, twisting, reaching, lifting, lowering, pushing and pulling
Take rest breaks from repetitive or forceful tasks
Move around and occasionally change positions
Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders
Use the equipment and tools provided to reduce exposure to MSD hazards
Go to your supervisor with questions, concerns and for additional training
Suggest ways to improve working conditions through the JHSC
Be aware of the symptoms of MSD and if you have any, report them to your supervisor.
Back Care Reducing the Risk of Injury
Back Anatomy
Spine has 24 bones (vertebrae)
Discs between vertebrae absorb shock
Spinal cord carries nerves that control all activities below the neck
Unbalanced/stressed spine can cause a progression of back problems
Causes of a Stressed Spine
Lack of exercise
Weak abdominal and back muscles can’t support spine
Leads to sway back and weakened joints
Pot belly pulls back muscles/stretches and weakens abdominal muscles
Poor Physical Condition
Bad Posture/Chronic Strain
Slouching, rounded shoulders, one hip higher than the other
Sitting for long periods of time (higher compressive force on discs then standing)
Standing for long periods without keeping spine in balance
Working in awkward, uncomfortable positions
Causes of a Stressed Spine
Improper Lifting
Twisting at the waist
Overhead lifting/lifting below knuckle height
Lifting or carrying objects with awkward shapes/no handles
Lifting heavy objects unsafely
The greater the horizontal reach (away from the navel) = greater risk
Causes of a Stressed Spine
Prevention of Back Injuries
Lift Safely Use proper lift procedures . .
Test the weight of an object before lifting
Get help if it’s too heavy for you to lift it alone
Take a balanced stance, feet shoulder-width apart
Squat down to lift, get as close as you can
Lift SafelyLift Safely Tighten the abdominal
muscles
Get a secure grip, hug the load
Lift gradually using your legs, keep load close to you, keep back and neck straight
Lift Safely
Once standing, change directions by pointing your feet and turn your whole body
Avoid twisting at your waist
To put load down, use these guidelines in reverse
Push, Don’t Pull when moving heavy objects. Pushing is easier on your back than pulling.
Safe Work Practices Rearrange your work area to eliminate lifting, bending and
reaching
Tasks done most often should be done at waist level
When possible, move the work to you, instead of stretching to reach the work
If you stand for long periods, take the stress off yourback by placing one foot higher and in front of you
Divide the items into smaller loads. Moving several small loads is much easier on your back
Safe Work Practices Reaching at a lower level, bend your knees, keeping your
center of gravity between your feet, and your knees over your toes
Reaching a high shelf, place one foot slightly ahead of the other as you face the shelf. Shift your weight from the back foot onto the front foot as you move the item toward the shelf
Reduce the weight of the containers
Use lifting devices and carts whenever possible
Mopping is a repetitive motion; it can twist your spine if not done correctly
Client Handling
Marianhill’s Commitment to Client Handling Zero Lift Policies
Zero Lift Definition No manual resident lifting, where the entire weight of the
resident or object is anticipated. This pertains to 1 person, 2 person and/or 3 person lifting (not transferring)
All total lifts must be completed with the use of resident lifting devices (total lifts, sit stand lifts and re-positioning in bed devices such as slider sheets)
* The only exception to this policy is an Emergency situation whereby a resident must be moved to safety immediately to prevent further threats to safety and security
Policies and Procedures are in place and address:
Zero Lift Policy statement with Employee Statement of Understanding
Form for Initial Assessment and Re-assessments
Logo System to identify type of transfer/mechanical lift
Policies for: Mechanical Lifting Transferring Re-positioning
Logo’s for Resident Transfers
IndependentUnsupervised
Transfer
Independent Supervised
Transfer
Minimum Assistance
Transfer
Two Person Pivot
One Person Pivot
Logo’s for Resident Lifts
Sit/Stand Lift Mechanical Lift Ceiling Lift
Roles and Responsibilities of Workplace Parties
We are all responsible for ours and each others health and safety.
Employer
Supervisors
Staff
Joint Health &Safety Committee
Maintenance of Equipment by Staff
Maintenance of Equipment by Facility staff
Client Handling Zero Lift PolicyStatement of Understanding
Marianhill is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all staff and residents and has a client handling zero lift policy and protocol to eliminate manual lifting of residents. Any employee who violates this policy and manually lifts residents will be subject to disciplinary action.
Wellness and Exercise
Adopt a balanced exercise program, that includes cardio, aerobics, flexibility, muscle strength (ability to produce force) and endurance (ability of muscles to sustain static postures):
1. Warm up2. Stretch3. Perform activity or muscle training4. Cool down (to remove lactic acid and reduce soreness)
Consult your family physician before initiating an exercise program
Research indicates that workers who have a good level of physical fitness, experience fewer back injuries and recover faster from MSDs than unfit workers
Review of Back Care Strategies
Lift safely Exercise regularly/improve muscle strength Maintain ideal body weight Sleep smart Manage Stress (anxiety & stress tighten muscles in
your back) Assess work tasks and modify the work
environment to reduce the risks of back injury:• Use carts and dollies, hoists and other lift-
assist devices whenever you can• Inspect the workplace to keep it free of
slip/fall hazards• Wear appropriate footwear
Keep communication flowing
Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls
Clean up wet surfaces
Avoid short cuts
Get rid of clutter
Use a ladder or step stool
Turn on the lights
Wear slip resistant shoes