Working at a dishpit can be back breaking work. Repeating the same motions throughout your days can lead to a variety of injuries. Within a day as a dishwasher you will have to lift, push heavy objects, and carry objects creating strain on your back or wrists.
Pay attention to your movements throughout the day. Take special notice of how you stand, life, and use your back to reduce physical injury.
Dr. Marialice Kern, an associate professor of Kinesiology at San Francisco State University and an expert in exercise physiology has a few tips below for workers.
Dishwashing
Do
— Place one foot on an elevated surface, such as a step
stool
— Slightly bend the other knee
— Keep wrists flat and straight
— Bend at hips
Don’t
— Keep knees locked (back problems)
— Bend at the waist (back problems)
— Bend your wrist upward (carpal tunnel or tendonitis
problems)
Loading and unloading the washing machine
Do
— Place basket at the same level of the machine
— When unloading, lift opposite leg (e.g. left leg) as
the arm that’s reaching into the machine (e.g. right
arm)
— Use the other hand for support
Don’t
— Bend at waist and lift wet objects out by
straightening your back (back problems)
— Have basket on the floor and bend or twist at the
waist to pick up each item (carpal tunnel or
tendonitis)
Mopping and Vacuuming
Do
— Keep head up
— Keep wrists flat and straight by placing your palm
along the side of the mop or vacuum handle
Don’t
— Thrust your arm out and bend backwards (which can put
your back at risk)
— Twist at the waist (back problems)
— Bend wrist up while holding the mop handle (carpal
tunnel or tendonitis problems)
Source:
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