MSDs, Back Care & Zero Lift

1. MSDs, Back Care & Zero Lift

2. It can happen to you: • Back injury • Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) When performing every day tasks: • Moving residents • Housekeeping • Reaching for supplies • Typing

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. Back Care Reducing the Risk of Injury

8. 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

9. Causes of a Stressed Spine Poor Physical Condition • 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

10. Bad Posture/Chronic Strain Causes of a Stressed Spine • 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

11. 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

12. Prevention of Back Injuries

13. 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

14. Lift 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

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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

18. Client Handling Zero Lift Policy

19. 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

20. 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

21. Logo’s for Resident Transfers Independent Unsupervised Transfer One Person Pivot Independent Supervised Transfer Two Person Pivot Minimum Assistance Transfer

22. Logo’s for Resident Lifts Sit/Stand Lift Mechanical Lift Ceiling Lift

23. 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

24. 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.

25. Wellness and Exercise Research indicates that workers who have a good level of physical fitness, experience fewer back injuries and recover faster from MSDs than unfit workers 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 up 2. Stretch 3. Perform activity or muscle training 4. Cool down (to remove lactic acid and reduce soreness)Consult your family physician before initiating an exercise program

26. 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

27. 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

28. Questions