Back Care 2017 Training Module

You must read this online module and complete the accompanying quiz prior to your

One-Day Practical Skills-Based Training.

You must also read the Lifting and Transferring Procedure prior to your One-Day Practical Skills-Based Training.

This procedure can be found on the CLW website under the Equipment section of the

Online Health & Safety Resource.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Table of Contents

1. Back Care

a. Safe Lifting

b. Rules for Safe Lifting of any Object

c. Getting your back into good posture

2. Transfers, Repositioning and Lifts

a. Transfers

b. Repositioning

c. Lifts

d. Lift & Sling Checklist

e. Portable Ceiling Lifts

3. Different Types of Slings

a. Hammock Sling

b. Hygiene Sling

c. Parachute Sling

d. Visual Safety Instructions

4. Wheelchairs

5. Snow Removal

6. Musculoskeletal Disorders

7. Members of Back Care Committee

8. Conclusion

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Safe Lifting 8 out of every 10 people will experience back pain. 42% of lost time claims are due to back/shoulder/neck pain or injury. Proper body mechanics are very important when lifting light objects less then 30 lbs. Employees are to avoid manual lifts and not lift anything over 30 lbs. Mechanical lifts have been put in place for the safety of employees and people supported and are provided at locations that require them.

Back Care

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If employees are experiencing discomfort in their duties or if the needs of a person supported are changing, employees need to report it to their Manager immediately.

Managers will evaluate the concerns and make arrangements for an Occupational Therapist (OT) to come in to do an assessment if needed. There may be a need for some adaptive equipment or a task analysis.

Back Care

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Rules for Safe Lifting of Any Object: • Keep your back straight • Use your legs to bend • Avoid twisting • Keep load close to your body • Keep the movement smooth • Face in the direction of the lift • Take multiple trips with small loads rather then one big load. (ex. carrying

groceries) • Ask for help when needed

Note: Ergonomist recommends that you wear supportive running shoes when working to help take the pressure off your back.

Back Care

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Back Care

Standing: • Put one foot on a low stool, rung of chair, or shelf directly in front of you. This helps the

spine get into a straight position. • Switch feet regularly.

Sitting: • Choose a firm chair to help maintain normal spinal curves while sitting. Sit with feet

supported firmly on the floor, hips and shoulders positioned against the back of the chair. • Try to sit with hips and knees at the same level. Use a stool if necessary.

Shoulders: • Shoulders can be prone to wear and tear injuries during lifts, carrying, working in awkward

positions and doing repetitive movements. We can minimize the strain on our bodies when assisting with dressing by having the person supported in a seated position when dressing the upper body.

• Always keep in mind the difference between offering guidance physically and a person using your body for stability.

• If a person is using your body for stability an OT assessment would be required. Our bodies are not meant for stability.

Getting Your Back into Good Posture

Transfers:

The act of guiding and/or assisting a person from one surface to another. The person is able to bear weight in the legs or arms or part of the weight is borne by an assistive device.

This includes:

• One-person Standing Pivot Transfer;

• Two-person Standing Pivot Transfer;

• Minimum Assistance Transfer.

Transfers, Repositioning & Lifts

Please refer to the Lifting & Transferring Procedure found on the CLW website under the Equipment section of the Online Health & Safety Resource for more detailed information surrounding transferring.

Repositioning:

The act of changing a person’s position.

This includes:

• turning and moving a person up or down in bed;

• One-person through arm lift (while seated in a wheelchair.

Note: Make sure bed is always at hip height

Transfers, Repositioning & Lifts

Please refer to the Lifting & Transferring Procedure found on the CLW website under the Equipment section of the Online Health & Safety Manual for more detailed information surrounding repositioning.

Lifts: Any procedure where the person’s entire body weight is borne by a mechanical lifting device for the purpose of repositioning or moving to another surface.

This includes: • Portable Ceiling Lift; • Fixed Ceiling Lift; • Portable Mechanical Floor Lifts.

Transfers, Repositioning & Lifts

Please refer to the Lifting & Transferring Procedure found on the CLW website under the Equipment section of the Online Health & Safety Resource for more detailed information surrounding lifts.

Transfers, Repositioning & Lifts

Lift & Sling Checklist:

It is your responsibility to ensure that the Lift & Sling Checklist has been completed on a daily basis prior to being used.

Transfers, Repositioning & Lifts

As part of the Lift & Sling Checklist you are required to perform a visual inspection of the lift.

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Portable Ceiling Lifts

Unplug cord from its base of the plug ONLY. Do not pull on cord or twist and bend cord.

Do not move or pull unit using the pendant or remote cord.

Note: Replacement of the charger or pendant is a cost of $250 to $300. Please be careful.

Different Types of Slings

Different people require different types of slings.

Hammock Sling 4 strap Hammock sling: Most commonly used sling. Is used for people who need full support including their neck and torso. This sling can be left under the person with periodic inspection for folds in the sling.

6 strap Hammock sling: Almost identical to the 4 strap Hammock except it has 6 straps that connect to the carry bar. This is used for people who significantly lean to one side. This sling can be left under the person with periodic inspection for folds in the sling.

When a person we support is leaving their house for an appointment or an activity, please ensure that the sling is taken out from underneath them. If needed, the sling can be packed and brought with them.

Different Types of Slings

Hygiene Sling

This sling is used for people who have good torso control. It requires less time to put underneath the person and less manipulation is needed. A Hygiene Sling cannot be left under the person.

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Different Types of Slings

Parachute Sling

This sling is made of a slippery nylon material which allows it to slip easily in and out from underneath a person. This sling cannot be left under person.

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Different Types of Slings

Visual Safety Instructions:

• Lay sling out on flat surface so that all areas of the sling are visible.

• Check all loops at their connection/stress points. Check each loop for any sign of damage. Depending on the sling model, there may be up to 12 loop points in total.

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Different Types of Slings

1. Check the stitching of the entire sling. Look for any fraying or loose stitching.

2. Check the sling for heat damage (identified by shrinking or scrunching of the leg portion). Slings are to be washed and hung to dry.

3. Check the body of the sling for any rips or holes.

4. Check the sling for signs of exposure to bleach. This may be the case if there is fading of the sling ID and/or caution labels. Take any sling laundered with bleach out of service.

5. Check the sling for excessive staining. While some staining may occur through use by a person who is incontinent, other staining may indicate exposure to chemicals.

6. Failure to pass your inspection in any one of the above areas demands, for safety reasons, you must remove the sling from service.

Storage Slings should be stored away from direct sunlight, stress, pressure, excessive heat or humidity. The sling should be kept away from contact with sharp objects, corrosives or other possible damaging material.

What are you Inspecting?

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Wheelchairs

• Adjust the caregiver's handle bar used for pushing the chair when available.

• Chairs should be equipped with rear caregiver access brakes and/or brake extensions. Both sets of brakes are ideal for safety while on the lifts.

• When maneuvering around snug or tight corners bring the wheelchair to the highest incline possible. You can immediately put it back to a comfortable position.

• When navigating over uneven ground, turn the chair backwards and pull. Always navigate another route if possible.

• Never lift a chair to maneuver around tight spaces or over uneven ground.

Not all wheelchairs are equipped with these features. In future assessments, these features should be taken into consideration.

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• It can be difficult to find the time to keep up with snow when there are large accumulations. Doing small amounts of snow several times is safer than trying to shovel large amounts of snow. All locations are equipped with snow blowers and these should be used as much as possible.

• If you start to shovel snow or use the snow blower and you are experiencing discomfort please stop and contact your manager. Everyone needs to work as a team when it comes to snow removal. If there is more than one employee working on shift try and rotate between each other to make it easier.

• Make sure you dress appropriately for winter weather or have winter clothing with you in order to be ready for potentially being outside. Proper Footwear is important to avoid a slip and fall injury.

• If a location is in need of additional assistance because of extreme/extenuating circumstances please contact the Manager, Maintenance (Matt) or the Manager, Property & Administration (Gerti).

Snow Removal

Warm up by stretching prior to shovelling.

Cold tight muscles are more prone to injury.

Snow Removal

Keep feet wide apart. Place front

foot close to shovel.

Put weight on front foot. Use leg to

push shovel.

Shift weight to rear foot. Keep load close to body.

Turn feet in direction of

throw.

Note: Use your legs. When lifting snow, fill your shovel no more than half full. Avoid using your back to lift. Bend your knees, keep the back straight, tighten your stomach muscles and lift with your legs. Scoop small amounts and walk to where you want to dump it. Avoid awkward throwing postures. Do not twist!!!! Take a 2-3 minute break every 15 mins or more frequent if needed.

• Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries that affect muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Injuries can develop when the same muscles are used repetitively, or for a long time without adequate rest. This type of injury increases if the force exerted is high and/or the job requires awkward posture. Some examples of Musculoskeletal disorders include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.

• Musculoskeletal disorders do not include injuries or disorders that are the direct result of a traumatic event, such as a fall, being struck by or against an object, being caught in or on something, a vehicle collision, or workplace violence.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Cindy Kiefer-Manager, Support

Rachelle Sereduik-Manager, Support

Nada Vasilic- Direct Support Coordinator

Tola Opeola- Direct Support Staff

Members of Back Care Committee

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If you have any questions or concerns about the information found within this module, please contact

Nicole Morassut, Manger, Health and Wellness at 519-974-4221 x 208 or your Manager.

Conclusion

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