CORRECT POSTURE &

BODY MECHANICS
 WHAT IS POSTURE?
 Essentially it is a matter of
body alignment.
 Posture is constantly
changing depending on the
activity.
 Good posture is a state of
muscular and skeletal
balance.
 Why practice correct posture &
body mechanics?

 Prevent musculoskeletal pain/injuries

 Reduce pain caused by poor body
mechanics
 Prevent and reduce risk of recurrence
 Increase the strength and endurance of
postural muscles
Physical effects of poor posture
 Joint stiffness
 Fatigue and aching muscles
 Stability muscles stop working
 Excessive movement of spine
and strain on supporting
structures
 Pressure on nerves
 Muscle imbalance
 Increased pain
 Benefits of good posture
 Less pain and strain on structures
 Postural muscles keep on working
 Less fatigue
 Look taller, healthier and more
confident
 Internal organs function more
efficiently
 Standing Posture
 Always try to maintain
an upright posture
 Don’t slouch or bend
forwards
 Avoid hunching
shoulders
 Remember tummy in
and chest bone up!
 Sitting Posture
 Don’t slouch
 Keep the normal curve in your
back
 Small of the back should be
supported
 Use a lumbar roll or small
cushion
 Move your bottom to the back
of the chair
 Ideally your knees should be
lower than your hips
 Driving Position
 Seat at 10 angle from
upright
 Lumbar support
 Pedals within easy reach
 Mirror angled to
encourage upright
posture
 Arms should be relaxed
 Build in breaks to long
journeys
 Working Heights
 Ensure correct working heights
for work surfaces such as
desks
 Correct height = 2 to 4 inches
below your bent elbow
 This allows head and spine to
be upright
 Do not slump forward
 Feet flat on the floor or well
supported
 Handling loads
 Keep the load close to your body
 Use the strong muscles in your
legs to lift or move the load
 Keep your spine in a neutral
position
 Use the power position when
lifting or handling tasks
 Share the load with someone
 Lean backwards after manual
handling tasks, as stretching
relieves strain
 DON’T unless you have to eg: use
a trolley
 Power Lift
 Feet in a wide stable
stance
 Get close to the load
 Bend your knees a lot
 Bend your hips a lot
 Keep your chest up and
look up
 Use your legs and hips INCORRECT CORRECT
to move the load LIFTING LIFTING
POSITION POSITION