 |
|
Caregivers' Products
|
|
| Market Resources |
|
|
|
Using Ergonomic Equipment
for Back Injury Prevention |
| |
One of the most common types of on-the-job injuries are those affecting the back due to poor lifting practices or the lack of a sound program/policy for using devices to assist in daily duties. Implementing ergonomic equipment and products to prevent workplace injury is one of the best ways employers can protect their caregivers. In order to understand the importance of putting into practice the use of ergonomic aids at nursing home and healthcare facilities, it is essential to understand the basics of what you are trying to protect.
The back, formed by a column of individual bones (vertebrae) separated by discs (or cushions), is held together by ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to perform movements. The support system provides support for your trunk, protects the spinal cord, and again, allows movement to occur. There are 3 basic curves in the back: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back) and lumbar (lower back). When you maintain these curves in their natural position, your weight is evenly distributed throughout the vertebrae and discs, which in turn reduces the risk for damage and prevents injury.
Ergonomics was developed to help you adapt to your environment in a manor that fits your body's capabilities. By doing so, through patient handling equipment (such as transfer gait belts) and safe lifting practices, you can protect your back and reduce the risks of injury. Understanding your body's limitations and utilizing an effective ergonomics system in your facility or nursing home will assist in injury avoidance and unnecessary fatigue. Since everybody relies on a healthy back, now is the time to begin utilizing the available patient handling products that promote good body mechanics and caregiver's safety.
ErgoSafe™ Products works closely with nursing homes and other care giving institutions to provide patient handling devices to assist caregivers with their daily tasks of moving and repositioning patients. Call ErgoSafe™ today and begin employing safer conditions for your employees and patients. |
| |
|
|
A quick and easy way for Caregivers to purchase our patient handling products. |
|
|
| |
|
