What lifting technique reduces back strain when handling tools?

What lifting technique reduces back strain when handling tools?

• A. Keep arms extended and twist torso to lift.
• B. Keep the load close to the body, bend the knees, straighten hips and legs, and avoid twisting.
• C. Push with back first.
• D. Jump while lifting.

Answer: (B)

When you lift, the goal is to use the big muscles of the legs and keep the load close to your body so the spine isn’t doing all the work. Bending the knees and hips and then straightening them as you lift charges the legs with effort, not the back, which transfers the load from a small, risky lever arm to stronger muscles. Keeping the load near the center of gravity reduces the torque on the spine, making it easier to rise without twisting. Avoid twisting the torso during the lift—rotate your feet and hips as a unit if you must change direction, which preserves a neutral spine and reduces shear forces on the back. Pushing with the back or jumping doesn’t engage the legs effectively and adds risk, so they’re not appropriate techniques for reducing back strain.

When you lift, the goal is to use the big muscles of the legs and keep the load close to your body so the spine isn’t doing all the work. Bending the knees and hips and then straightening them as you lift charges the legs with effort, not the back, which transfers the load from a small, risky lever arm to stronger muscles. Keeping the load near the center of gravity reduces the torque on the spine, making it easier to rise without twisting. Avoid twisting the torso during the lift—rotate your feet and hips as a unit if you must change direction, which preserves a neutral spine and reduces shear forces on the back. Pushing with the back or jumping doesn’t engage the legs effectively and adds risk, so they’re not appropriate techniques for reducing back strain.