Correct Ergonomics for Handling/Lifting Students

Taking Care of Yourself

Correct Ergonomics for Handling/Lifting students

Being a teacher or associate of students with physical and/or behavioral disabilities often brings with it increased physical demands above the demands required with other students. If those demands exceed your capabilities, you may be headed for a musculoskeletal injury or an illness. This page is dedicated to the prevention of a musculoskeletal injury. "Take a Look at Your Job" Consider Your Exposure to  Forceful Exertion  Repetitive Activities  Awkward Postures

With the Three Types of Exposures Consider  Frequency  Duration  Magnitude of Exposure

Three natural curves are present in a "normal" spine. When these are present in the right degree, there is decreased pressure and stress on the joints, muscles, vertebrae, and tissues. This position is referred to as neutral. Deviation from neutral puts undue stress on the back causing stress and damage. Cervical- Here there is a slight forward curve. Thoracic- Here there a slight backwards curve. Lumbar - Here there is a slight forward curve. Good Posture with the 3 curves as noted to the left is what every person should try to attain in sitting, standing and sleeping. Keeping Good Posture during Lifting:

• Keep your work close to your body. • Bend your knees, not your back. • Avoid reaching. Keep the load close. • Maintain a wide stable base. • Maintain neutral alignment of your back.  Don’t twist your back when you turn.  Plan movements ahead.

Higher Risk Students:

 Students over 50#  Students who can’t bear weight

 Students who are uncooperative or combative

 Students with contracted joints or areas that may be more fragile

 Students with fluctuating tone

 Other special needs

Assess Your Student’s Overall Condition:

 Weight

 Medical condition

 Physical ability

 Behavior patterns

 Ability to follow directions

General Rules:

Make sure brakes are on

Remove or swing out footrests

Make sure area is open and there is room to move

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing www.gonzaga.edu/hr

The following are You-Tube videos on various lifting techniques

1. 2 Person lift side -to-side approach: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlONVrRXKwU

2. 2 Person lift top to bottom approach: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMNOFCuiqLI

3. Sliding Board Transfer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftMW5lU5Rwg

4. Using a Mechanical Lift: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujV0Uo3gJI4

Two other Types of Mechanical Lifts: Solo Lift by Rifton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zr0- _td2cM&feature=BFa&list=PLF3C3D887CAFE7E08&lf=results_video

Support Station: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2XMlZuoFDU