Bending can be performed either via forward bending or stooping involving bending the body forwards and downward from the hips; or by squatting or crouching involving bending the legs at the knees and hips to squat position.
Bending can be difficult for people who have back, hip, knee or ankle pain, restricted range of movement, physical disability or any other conditions that affect mobility. Bending could cause pain, strain or simply may not be possible due to physical limitations.
Many people who have physical disability are able to work in a variety of job types with support from aids and modifications.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people who have difficulty bending there are a range of strategies that can assist them including:
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job redesign: to eliminate the need to bend or modify bending requirements e.g. storing heavier and frequently used items at waist level, raising the work surfaces or provision of appropriate seating
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training and workplace assessment: ensure that employees are provided with training in office ergonomics, safe work practices or in manual handling specific to the workplace and the individual's requirements. Workplace assessments can identify any hazards or solutions to bending job requirements. For example, if a person is able to safely lift from a squatting posture, a ‘weight-lifters’ type squat may be a safe alternative.
To reduce bending required within the general workplace consider the following aids and modifications:
To reduce the requirement for bending in an industrial workplace try the following options:
To reduce the need for bending in the home environment aids are available such as:
Relevant links
Safe Work Australia http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/
References
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Review of Products, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 4 March 2010, http://www.ilcaustralia.org.
Lechner, D. 1999, ErgoScience: Job Demands Analysis, University of Alabama, Alabama.
WorkCover New South Wales 2010, Manual Handling-Hierarchy of Controls, New South Wales Government, Sydney, viewed 4 March 2010, <http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/
hierarchy_of_controls_5620.pdf>.
Workers Health Centre 2004, Manual Handling Factsheet, Workers Health Centre, Lidcombe, viewed 4 March 2010, http://www.workershealth.com.au/facts034.html.