What are the essentials of good body mechanics?

Think TALL at all Times
- Feel as if the top of your head is tied to the ceiling with a rope;
- Tuck and firm your abdominal muscles without force and without affecting your breathing;
- Do not accentuate a tilt of your pelvis either forward or backward;
- You may feel that your are extending your whole body directly upwards from the heels;
- Learning and applying proper posture, lifting and carrying techniques;
- Becoming aware of your body position during all activities;
- Altering your habits if necessary, as well as positions or your environment so as to provide safe and efficient work conditions;
- Practicing correct body mechanics at all times, not just when you are recovering from pain or injury;
- How to stand correctly in the most correct yet relaxed way;
- The body should be relaxed and yet ready to assume or move into motion in a split second, as and if required;
- Hold your head upright with eyes looking straight ahead – head and chin neither tilted up, down or to the side;
- Your earlobes should be in line with the middle of your shoulders;
- Your legs are not bent and yet the knees are not locked;
- Never stand in the same position for a long time;
- If possible, adjust the height of the work table/desk to a comfortable level to allow yourself to sit upright with your chair tucked in under the work table/desk;
- When standing for long periods, try to elevate one foot by resting it on a stool, box or bar, and keep changing feet;
- While working in the kitchen and having to assume the same position for long periods, raise one foot on a step or low box. Change feet every few minutes.