How can I protect my upper body from hazards as I move around my home?

Upper Body Protective Technique

If you learn to use the following Upper Body Protective Technique correctly, your forearm will act as a "bumper" to protect the upper part of your body from hanging plants, open cupboard doors, and room doors that are partially ajar.

It's important to remember that this technique will only partially protect your shoulder and chest area, and will not protect you below the waist or warn you about approaching drop-offs, such as steps and stairs. For maximum protection, you should use a combination of upper and lower body protective techniques [3]

The technique:

1. Raise your stronger arm to shoulder height and extend it out in front of your body, as if you were pointing straight ahead.
2. Bend your arm so that your forearm is across your chest, and touch your opposite shoulder with your fingertips.
3. Move your hand approximately 10-12 inches away from your shoulder.
4. You can estimate this distance by visualizing a shoebox or ruler placed lengthwise between your shoulder and your hand.
5. Curl your fingers, spread them slightly apart, and keep your wrist straight as you turn your palm outward so that it faces away from your body.
6. It is important to maintain your hand and arm in this position, so that your upper body is partially protected.
7. Initially, you may be able to hold this position for only a minute or two, but with repeated practice you will be able to maintain this position for longer periods of time.
8. If your arm becomes tired, you can switch and use your other arm, repeating the previous steps to maintain the correct position.

Related Topics

See also the Lower Body Protective Technique [3], the Trailing Technique [4]