RECAP: APPLIED BODY MECHANICS
Feet wide apart.
When lifting or carrying:
1. Load balanced close to rile body (and the center of gravity),
2. Back straight trunk not twisted (line of gravity bisecting base of support).
3. Greater use of leg and abdominal muscles.
4. Less reliance on back muscles.
When picking up objects from the floor.
1. No bending from the waist.
2. Whole body lowered (squatting position), with knees bent.
b. The radiologic technologist shown in figure 1-10 is straining his back muscles
needlessly. He has forgotten to apply the simple principles of good body mechanics.
The line of gravity falls outside the base of support because he is bending over from the
waist.
Figure 1-10. Poor body mechanics.
MD0961
1-10