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