142 Unit Two Culinary Fundamentals Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Back and Muscle Injuries Many back and muscle injuries result from improper lifting. When lifting a heavy object, do not bend your back. This can result in painful back injuries. Instead, keep your back straight and bend your knees. This allows the strong leg muscles to do the lifting instead of the back muscles. Get assistance when lifting heavy or bulky items. This is also true for servers who may need to carry a tray of heavy plates. If it is too heavy, divide the plates on two trays until the load is comfortable to carry. In the event of a muscle strain, seek medical assistance before continuing to work, 9-8. Repetitive Motion Injuries Frequently performing the same action over a long period of time can cause repetitive motion injuries. For instance, performing the same butchery procedure for long periods each day can lead to a repetitive motion injury. Some repetitive motion inju- ries require long rehabilitation periods. To prevent this type of injury, vary tasks during the workday. If you notice pain associated with a repetitive movement or job in the kitchen, alert your supervisor. Choking Choking occurs when an object becomes stuck in the throat and blocks the airway and the victim cannot speak, cough, or breathe, 9-9. This is a life-threatening event and requires immediate action. Not only do cooks need to know how to respond to this, but also anyone who works with customers in a dining setting such as dining room Draz-Koetke/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher 9-8 (A) Lift safely by bending at the knees instead of the back. (B) Get assistance if the item is too heavy to lift alone. B A