The Effects of Body Mechanics Instruction on Work Performance

Thirty food service workers were randomly assigned to two groups; one group received body mechanics instruction while the other did not. The application of the instruction was measured by evaluating the subjects’ use of body mechanics on a novel lifting and lowering task and during performance on the job. Results indicated that the group which received instruction performed significantly better on the novel task than the group that received no instruction. However, no significant difference between groups was found in performance in the work environment. The role of the occupational therapist in a work-related safety program is also discussed.