Body Mechanics 

Purpose: 

• To prevent injury to facility staff. 

• To prevent injury to residents. 

Equipment: 

• Gait belt 

• Mechanical lift (when necessary) 

• Assistive devices as needed 

• Lumbar supports as needed 

Procedure: 

3. Preparation for Lifting: 

• Use a mechanical lift when necessary; always use two staff members. 

• Plan the lift before attempting to move the resident. 

• Position the chair, wheelchair, commode, or bed to receive the resident. 

• Remove unnecessary clutter to ensure the path is clear. 

• Apply brakes to the wheelchair or bed. 

• Get as close to the resident as possible to minimize the space and length of the lift. 

4. Proper Body Mechanics: 

• Position your legs with feet apart, one slightly forward in preparation for the transfer of weight. 

• Use the muscles of your legs, not the muscles of your back. 

• Bend your knees and hips, grasp the resident firmly, and straighten your legs when lifting. 

• Keep your back straight and head erect to brace the thoracic and cervical spine. 

• Contract your abdominal muscles to stabilize the lumbar spine. 

• Give the signal to lift and pivot to transfer the resident. Do not twist your spine. 

5. Lifting and Transferring: 

• Lifting usually requires two or more people if the resident is unable to cooperate. Consult the Resident Care Plan and CNA care card for specific instructions. 

• Use assistive devices as necessary. 

• Use gait belts. 

• Use lumbar supports as needed. 

6. Sense of Safety: 

• Analyze the task. 

• Visualize the lift. 

• Communicate and coordinate with your lifting partner(s). 

• Perform the lift, keeping it close. 

• Keep your upper body erect. 

• Lift smoothly. 

• Pivot; do not lift and twist. 

Compliance and Documentation: 

• Adhere to CMS guidelines and Requirements of Participation for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• Document the use of proper body mechanics in the resident’s care plan. 

• Regularly review and update techniques for lifting and transferring residents according to the latest clinical best practices and regulatory standards. 

• Provide training to staff on proper body mechanics to ensure safety for both staff and residents. 

• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with this policy and address any gaps in practice or documentation. 

References: 

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). State Operations Manual (SOM), Appendix PP - Guidance to Surveyors for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• CMS Requirements of Participation for Nursing Homes.