Now is the time of year to start cleaning the house after the long winter. This is one of the most common times of the year for back, hip and shoulder injuries from cleaning the house. It is important to take your time while cleaning as well as take rest breaks when needed. Pushing yourself and moving quickly puts you at high risk of injury.

To prevent injury you need to be aware of your surroundings and use good body mechanics when lifting, carrying, reaching, mopping, vacuuming and sweeping. Being aware of your posture is an important part of good body mechanics and preventing injury. To use good body mechanics keep your back in a natural position for your body and do not to stick your tailbone out or tuck your tailbone under. Before lifting any objects always test the weight of the object. If the item is too heavy, get help or ask someone else to lift the object for you. Stand with your feet hip to shoulder width apart, tighten the abdominal slightly; bend from your hips and knees keeping your feet on the floor.

Stand up by using the buttock and thigh muscles by pushing through your feet with a slight tightening of the abdominal muscles. Before carrying any items, make sure the walk way is clear of any obstacles.

While carrying items, keep the item close to you avoiding any twisting motion keeping your spine in a natural posture with a slight tightening of the abdominals. If you are performing overhead reaching activities always use a step stool or ladder to get as close as possible to the object you are trying to get at; your spine should be in its natural posture with a slight tightness of the abdominals.

Most people vacuum, mop and sweep with improper body mechanics; they tend to over reach with their upper body and arms with twisting motions. Instead you should move your body with the vacuuming, mop and sweeping keep it close to you. Use your legs and arms keeping your back in its natural position and a slight tightness of the abdominals while moving with the vacuum, mop, or broom.

If you follow these simple suggestion your spring cleaning will get done with no injuries and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful Wisconsin spring weather, when it finally gets here.