When lifting a heavy object, which practice promotes safety?

When lifting a heavy object, which practice promotes safety?

• A. Keep the object close to your body
• B. Twist your torso while lifting
• C. Hold the object away from your body
• D. Breathe out only after placing down

Answer: (A)

Keeping the object close to your body is the safest way to lift because it reduces the lever arm and the torque your spine must resist. When the load is near your midline, your leg muscles—much stronger than your back—do most of the work, which protects your spine from strain and injury. Twisting the torso while lifting creates twisting forces on the spine that can injure it, so it’s important to keep the body straight and avoid turning during the lift. Holding the object away from your body lengthens the lever arm, making the back work harder and increasing the risk of injury. Regarding breathing, you want to brace and maintain control during the lift rather than exhale only after placing the load down; proper breathing helps stabilize the core and maintain a controlled, safe lift.

Keeping the object close to your body is the safest way to lift because it reduces the lever arm and the torque your spine must resist. When the load is near your midline, your leg muscles—much stronger than your back—do most of the work, which protects your spine from strain and injury. Twisting the torso while lifting creates twisting forces on the spine that can injure it, so it’s important to keep the body straight and avoid turning during the lift. Holding the object away from your body lengthens the lever arm, making the back work harder and increasing the risk of injury. Regarding breathing, you want to brace and maintain control during the lift rather than exhale only after placing the load down; proper breathing helps stabilize the core and maintain a controlled, safe lift.