Body Mechanics for the Pest Control Technician

And anyone else, for that matter

Why Do We Work?To earn a living

Money to enjoy life outside of workHobbies, family, vacations, homes, cars, boats, etc.

If we become injured at work, we have defeated our

purpose

Better DecisionsOur Agenda

MechanicsHow our body works/anatomy

TechniqueKeeping neutral postures and avoiding injuryWork examples

StretchesSelf careTraining plan and tools for you

Mechanics to apply to the various tasks they

encounter

Techniques for preventing sprains and

strains

                                                         

  

Knowledge to make better decisions on how to lift or move

anything

MechanicsThe spineJelly donut

MechanicsThe spineJelly donut

Lazy “S”CervicalThoracicLumbar

1. Cervical (C-1 to C-7) - Seven vertebrae in the neck support and move the head.

2. Thoracic (T-1 to T-12) - Twelve vertebrae in the chest/upper back area support the shoulders and upper body.

3. Lumbar (L-1 to L-5) - Five vertebrae in the low back support most of the body weight so they are the largest and strongest of all vertebrae.

4. Sacrum - Triangular structure of the five attached vertebrae. They form the base of the vertebral column.5. Coccyx (tailbone) - Four attached vertebrae.

MechanicsThe spineJelly donut

Lazy “S”CervicalThoracicLumbar

Wide “C”Force/loadTwist/turn

Neutral PosturesThat position in which a body part

works the most efficiently, is the strongest, and is the least likely to be injured.

Wrist SpineShoulderKnee

Our Acronym for Technique

Bring it close

Always pivot

Keep chin up and chest out

BBAACCKK

Check your load/plan your move

Bring it Close

Bring the load as close to your center of gravity as possible

Move IT toward you or you toward IT before handling the weight

Use your “GREEN ZONE”

Green Zone

Legend

•23” or greater

•16-23”16-23”

•Up to 16”

Always PivotMove your feet

Avoid loading the spine and twisting

Avoid reaching out of neutral posture and twisting

Think basketball, golf, and skating

Check your load Bump itWeightStability

Plan your route

Visualize the movePlan the placement

Keep Chin Up and Chest

Out•Keep your chin up and chest out when:

•Lifting

•Pushing/Pulling

•Standing/Sitting

•Neutral spine – Lazy “S”

•Keep the Curves

•Strongest

•Most efficient

Handling Techniquesbreak down tasks

Assisted one-hand lift

Golf lift

Crouch lift with knee

assist

Roll the item into the “GREEN ZONE”

Handling Technique

s

Basic lift from floor or ground level to higher level

Handling Techniques

Store or keep items at “GREEN ZONE” height whenever possible

Organize your truck or supply room so the heaviest items are most easily accessed at waist level or near the side of the truck bed

Talk About Work Examples

Attic access Crawl space accessTruck accessDrivingLift/Push/Pull

Reverse postures30/30 Ergo Stretch

For every 30 minutes of a sustained posture or repetitive motion, reverse that action for 30 seconds.Foot upWall crouchHamstringUpper extremity

Before You BeginCheck condition

Warm musclesPost drive/pre work review

HamstringsUpper extremityReverse bend low back

Self-Care

A =I =M=

Ice

Movement

Anti-inflammatory

Field ObservationsTechnician Body Mechanics Observation Checklist

Observant of surroundings YES NO

slip/trip/fall hazards

stairs/ladders/attics/crawl spaces

Uses proper material handling techniques when lifting/pushing/pulling/reaching

Brings the load close or gets close to the load

Always pivots or moves feet/ no twisting of loaded spine

Checks the load and the move or lift prior to initiating

Keeps the chin up and chest out for a neutral spine/"S" curve

Technician name: Date of Observation:

Observer Name:

Comments or Coaching specific to observation:

Training planMake it your ownTrain your classroom trainerTrain your field observersIncorporate into new hire training planTrain existing employeesReinforce at regular intervals

CDPresentationSpeakers notesExtras on stretching Extras on liftingPosters

Other Tools

PestSure University Back Safety

Safe Lifting Techniques 12 minute Safety Source Video

Back Injury Prevention 9 minute Safety Source Video

Preventing Slips, Trips, & Falls 10 minute Safety Source Video

Slips and Falls 5 minute Safety Source Video

PestSure UniversitySlips, Trips and Falls

RULES TO STRETCH BY •Warm up first: warm muscles, tendons, and ligaments are more flexible and stretch more easily; stretching cold muscles can cause tears.

•Stretches should always be gradual and gentle.

•Hold each stretch in a static position for 10 to 20 seconds, allowing the muscle to lengthen slowly.

•Do not bounce; bouncing actually causes muscle fibers to shorten, not lengthen. Stretch only to the point of resistance; if the stretch hurts, you´re pushing too hard.

•Don´t rush through the stretching routine; use it to prepare yourself mentally and physically for activity.

Upper Extremity

Stretch

Hamstring Stretch1.Place heel of leg being stretched on box or bench that is approximately knee height (can also be performed with the heel on the floor).

2.Make sure hips are kept square (ie facing forwards not twisted to the side)

3.Keep stretched leg as straight as possible and lean forwards from the hip with buttocks out and back straight

4.Do not hunch your back or slouch forward

5.Get to the point of a mild stretch and hold 6.Repeat for each leg

Back Stretch•Stand up and place your hands on your hips toward the small of your back •Slowly lean back as far as you can, tilting your head to gently stretch your neck •Be sure to support your back with your hands and arms!

•Return to normal position

                   

Lifting Safely

The best path to a healthy back is to control your weight, exercise, and reduce back stress caused by lifting or poor posture. Excessive upper body weight—for example, potbellies—contributes to poor back posture and back pain because of the added stress placed on the components of the back. A regular exercise program that includes flexibility and strengthening exercises can help prevent injury or re-injury to your back. Consult your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program. Improper lifting is the most common way to injure your back. However, back injuries usually are not caused by one incorrect lift. They are caused by years of lifting incorrectly. Two of the most common lifting mistakes are bending at the waist instead of the knees and holding the load too far out in front of you. Before making any lift, test the load by pushing the object lightly with your hands or feet to determine the approximate weight of the object. Use your leg muscles instead of your back muscles. Do not twist during the lift. The proper technique for lifting is to:

•place your feet apart with one foot slightly forward for stability •bend at the knees—not waist—while keeping your back as straight as possible •stand as close to the load as possible and grip it firmly •tighten your abdominal muscles as soon as you lift to support your spine.

When you reach for an object, be sure to maintain good posture. If an object is beyond arm's length or is overhead, do not strain to grasp it. Rather, stand on a solid platform, such as a step stool or ladder, with your feet flat and slightly apart so the load is even with your shoulders. To limit strain and reduce your chances of pulling a muscle, slide the object close to your body.

Props for TrainingGallon jugs of waterBoxes and bags of items they usePositive reinforcement rewards (candy)Photo’s of your work situationsHandouts

Stretches and proper techniqueField Observation Form