module 8: care while driving

Module 8: Care while driving

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http://www.rch.org.au/ohs/index.cfm?doc_id=13101

The goal is to fit the car so you can drive in a way that maximizes the natural ability of your body to move and respond to physical stresses. This minimizes exposures to risk factors, such as sustained poor posture, that may result in injury

Here are easy things to do before your next drive:



Ergonomics

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Use a trolley to transport equipment to and from the car

Do a complete check of the car for any obvious damage; inspect the tyres, and complete the log book. Staff are responsible for ensuring that vehicles are safe to drive. This includes roadworthy status, tyre pressure checks, and regular fuel, water and oil checks. All faults and accidents must be reported to the administration manager

Ensure items such as scales, trolley, laptop; that could cause an injury during an accident; are secured in the boot of the car



1. First check and set up



Items such as a wallet or keys cause compression that can reduce circulation or press on nerves and other soft tissues

Sunglasses (needed to protect your eyes from prolonged glare), tissue and pens should be placed in easy reach. If you do have to reach out for an item, take the time to pull over in a safe place instead of risking an accident

It is illegal to use a held phone while driving. To use an unmounted phone you need to pull over. If the phone rings let it go to voice-mail, pull over when safe to do so, and retrieve the message



2. Remove items from your pockets



Staff must drive within the law. They are personally responsible for any traffic or parking infringements

Buckle up ensuring that the belt fits properly. If the seat belt strap is uncomfortable, a short piece of soft pipe insulation or foam can be placed on the part of the strap that is uncomfortable. Shoulder strap cushions can also be purchased



3. Buckle up!



Before driving, adjust the mirrors so that you do not have to crane your neck to see

The unused passenger seat and headrests can be folded back or down to allow a greater field of view



4. Adjust the mirrors



The lower part of your back should feel comfortable and supported. If it is not supported by the seat you can roll a small towel and place it in the curve of your lower back. A lumbar roll is a cylindrical shaped pillow that can be purchased for this purpose

The top of the headrest should be the equal height to the back of the head



5. Adjust the seat



The least amount of pressure on the spine occurs when your seat back is between 100-110 degrees so that you are slightly reclined. The seat back should fully support your back

Take frequent breaks from the seated position by taking breaks, shifting weight side to side, and using small upper body motions (like rolling the shoulders back) to relax the back

Simple exercises should be performed during breaks



6. Back tilt



It is easy to put on weight in a driving job as you are using less energy

Added to this, there is a tendency to buy fatty take-away food that can be eaten in the car. This extra weight increases the stress on your body. Consider healthy food choices

Frequent exercise, especially activities that strengthen the core muscles, will help protect from injury



7. Fitness



Scoot your tale bone as far back in the seat back as possible. Try to tilt the pelvis back so you are sitting more on the front pubis.

You should be able to place your hand comfortably between the back of your knee and the front of the seat. If you cannot do this, add a cushion to your seat to move you forward



8. Seat cushion length



Adjust the seat to allow for your knees to be slightly lower than the hips. This opens up your hip-flexor muscles and increases circulation to the back and decreases pressure on the lower back



9. Seat pan tilt



Turn your body on the seat to face the door when getting in and out of the car. This prevents twisting the back



10. Getting in and out



Adjust the steering wheel before starting the car. It is advisable to keep two hands on the wheel except when shifting gears

Change your hand position frequently to improve circulation and reduce fatigue. Your grip should be light. You should be able to drive with your shoulders relaxed and your arms close to the sides of your body



11. Steering wheel

If you have to reach too far forward, the steering wheel may be too far away. You can adjusting the seat, tilting the steering wheel upwards and using a lower grasp on the wheel



Test your knowledge

Sam has been driving for an hour, she still has a long drive to his next visit. Based on this, reply to the following statements as either true or false:

Staff should take breaks only after all visits are completed

FALSE

TRUE

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CORRECT!!!!!

That’s right, Sam is able to take a break to perform simple exercises so as to prevent sustained posture which could lead to an injury

NEXT QUESTION

NOT QUITE!!!

Remember, Sam is able to take a break to perform simple exercises so as to prevent sustained posture… review this question before proceeding

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Test your knowledge

Sam stops her long drive for a meal break. Based on this, reply to the following statement as either true or false:

She should avoid the meat pie, iced doughnut, and chocolate milk as her lunch

FALSE

TRUE


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CORRECT!!!!! That’s right, a meat pie, iced doughnut, and

chocolate milk is not a good meal choice. It is easy to put on weight in a driving job as you are using less energy, and it is too easy to buy take away food that can be eaten in the car. This extra weight increases the stress on your body. Consider healthy food choices

NEXT QUESTION

NOT QUITE!!!

No, a meat pie, iced doughnut, and chocolate milk is not a good meal choice. It is easy to put on weight in a driving job as you are using less energy, and it is too easy to buy take away food that can be eaten in the car. This extra weight increases the stress on your body. Consider healthy food choices

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Test your knowledge

Sam has been driving all day and is getting tired. She has moved her bottom forward into a slumped position so she can relax more. Based on this, reply to the following statement as either true or false:

This is a good driving position

FALSE

TRUE


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CORRECT!!!!!

When seated in your car, scoot the tail bone as far back as possible. Try to tilt the pelvis so you are sitting more on the front pubis

COLLECT YOUR CODEWORD

Remember, you need to tell your Clinical Nurse

Facilitator your completion codeword!

NOT QUITE!!!

When seated in your car, scoot the tail bone as far back as possible. Try to tilt the pelvis so you are sitting more on the front pubis

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Code words

CLOSE MODULE

3 East 4 Main 4 North 5 6CCC PHYS

7 West 8CNC DSU OPTS ACC RCH @ Home

Jet

ANAES THTR NNU P&O PICU VPRS


module 8: care while driving

Documents

smslintranet page5

smslintranet page1

smslintranet page4

smslintranet page3

smslintranet page2

seat belt strap

smslintranet pagethe

unused passenger seat