Which statement best describes the safe lifting technique?

Which statement best describes the safe lifting technique?

• A. Bend at the hips and knees, keep the load close to the body, twist to turn.
• B. Keep the back straight and drag the load toward you.
• C. Lift with the arms while keeping the back curved.
• D. Bend at the hips and knees, keep the load close to the body, avoid twisting, and push rather than pull when possible.

Answer: (D)

Safe lifting relies on using the legs to lift, keeping the load as close to your body as possible, avoiding twisting, and choosing to push rather than pull whenever you can. Bending at the hips and knees recruits the stronger leg muscles to lift, rather than loading the spine by bending from the waist. Keeping the load near your center of gravity reduces the lever arm on your back, so the spine isn’t subjected to as much twisting or bending force. Avoiding twisting while you move prevents rotational stress on the spine, which is a common source of back injuries. Pushing the load uses large leg muscles and lets you keep a neutral spine, making the movement safer than pulling. When these elements are combined, the lift is performed with the least amount of strain on the back and the greatest use of stable, powerful leg muscles.

Safe lifting relies on using the legs to lift, keeping the load as close to your body as possible, avoiding twisting, and choosing to push rather than pull whenever you can. Bending at the hips and knees recruits the stronger leg muscles to lift, rather than loading the spine by bending from the waist. Keeping the load near your center of gravity reduces the lever arm on your back, so the spine isn’t subjected to as much twisting or bending force. Avoiding twisting while you move prevents rotational stress on the spine, which is a common source of back injuries. Pushing the load uses large leg muscles and lets you keep a neutral spine, making the movement safer than pulling. When these elements are combined, the lift is performed with the least amount of strain on the back and the greatest use of stable, powerful leg muscles.