This document provides guidance on proper body mechanics for nursing assistants. It outlines basic rules like keeping heavy objects close to the body, avoiding sudden movements, and using large muscle groups rather than the back. Specific techniques are described for safely lifting, moving, positioning, and transferring residents while preventing injuries to both residents and nursing assistants. Body mechanics are important for legal compliance and quality care as they protect skin integrity and reduce back strain.
2. Purpose of body mechanics
To use the body in an efficient & safe
way
– Practice body mechanics at all times
– EVERYONE should use – even residents &
families
– Protects employee & resident
3. Basic rules of body mechanics
Assess the “job” to be done
Use wide base of support – feet 12”
apart or at shoulder width
Use strong, large muscle groups, not
back & arms
Use correct posture & body alignment –
back straight, knees bent
Keep heavy objects close to the body
4. Rules (cont)
Never twist, turn, or pivot feet – face work
Push, slide, or pull heavy objects instead of
lifting
Avoid sudden jerky motions
Use both hands when lifting
Team work – one leader who directs the
group
Explain procedure to resident
5. Issues of concern
Legal
– Must protect/safeguard resident
– Skin abrasions mean citation from state
– Abrasion is REPORTABLE!
Total quality improvement
– Back issues!
– Resident safety!
6. Comfort measures for lifting &
moving residents
Inform resident of what you are doing & why
Provide privacy
Raise bed to proper position
Position resident in good body alignment
Use pillows/foam pads to support & cushion
resident & protect bony prominences
Protect ALL tubing
Do not slide or drag – friction, SKIN
SHEARING, abrasions, tears
7. Safety measures for lifting &
moving residents
Assess the task
– Size up the load
– Obtain help if needed
Reposition resident in bed with good body
mechanics
– Move resident up in bed
• Use lift sheet if appropriate
• Two people needed to move resident, should stand at
HOB
• Remove pillow, pad HOB with pillow
Lock bed wheels & w/c wheels before moving
Make sure res has non-skid footwear
8. Safety measures for lifting &
moving residents (cont)
Turn resident on side
– Demo move toward NA
– Demo move away from NA
– Log roll – move as one position like a log, uses 2
CNAs
Reasons for repositioning
– Comfort
– Prevents skin breakdown
– Stimulates body systems
– Encourages resident to do ADLs
9. Positioning
Technique
– Do every 2 hours
– Use lift-sheet Y move resident to opposite
side of the bed you wish to turn resident to
(for side-lying)
– Turn & position
12. Transfers
Bed to chair
– Place chair on strong side
Chair to bed
Bed to gurney
13. Assistive Equipment used to
transfer
Mechanical (Hoyer) lift
Trapeze – use arms
Slide board – requires 2 workers to turn
sheet to slide resident over
Gait belt (transfer belt)
– Apply to waist, over clothing
– Check for belt tightness (2 fingers)
– Watch for proper placement
14. Ambulation Procedure
Dangle before ambulation
Ambulate with assistive devices
– Walker – advance walker, move weak
leg,then strong leg
– Cane – hold on strong side, move cane,
then weak leg, then strong leg
– Gait belt – stand slightly behind resident on
the weaker side, grasping belt in midback
15. Prevention of injury if falls occur
Protection of resident
– Guide resident to the floor
– Protect resident’s head
– Keep firm grip on the gait belt
Protection of self
– Keep back straight
– Slide resident to floor using upper leg for
support