Which action best reduces risk during lifting?

Which action best reduces risk during lifting?

• A. Arch your back and twist.
• B. Keep the weight as close to your body as possible.
• C. Stand with feet together
• D. Hold your breath

Answer: (B)

Minimizing the distance between the load and your body lowers the strain on your spine by shortening the lever arm. When you keep the weight close, your legs do most of the work and your spine can stay in a neutral position, reducing torque and the risk of a back injury. Arching the back and twisting lengthens the lever arm and adds dangerous forces to the spine, making injury more likely. Standing with feet together gives a poor base of support and makes you less stable, increasing the chance of losing control during the lift. Holding your breath raises chest pressure and can compromise coordination and oxygen delivery during exertion. So, the safest approach is to keep the load close to your body and use a stable stance with normal breathing.

Minimizing the distance between the load and your body lowers the strain on your spine by shortening the lever arm. When you keep the weight close, your legs do most of the work and your spine can stay in a neutral position, reducing torque and the risk of a back injury. Arching the back and twisting lengthens the lever arm and adds dangerous forces to the spine, making injury more likely. Standing with feet together gives a poor base of support and makes you less stable, increasing the chance of losing control during the lift. Holding your breath raises chest pressure and can compromise coordination and oxygen delivery during exertion. So, the safest approach is to keep the load close to your body and use a stable stance with normal breathing.