Question

Which best describes the appropriate way to lift a box using good body mechanics?

A) Bend at the waist with straight legs
B) Keep the back straight, bend at the knees, and lift with the legs
C) Twist the body while lifting
D) Lift with the back muscles

Answer 1

The correct way to lift a box is by keeping the back straight and bending at the knees to lift with the legs, which reduces the risk of back strain and injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate way to lift a box using good body mechanics is to keep the back straight, bend at the knees, and lift with the legs. In other words, one should avoid lifting with the back or twisting the body while lifting. Lifting in the recommended way significantly reduces the forces applied to the spine, as the spine is relatively weak compared to the hips, knees, and ankles. The force exerted on the back when lifting incorrectly can be about 5.6 times greater than the force when lifting properly. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good posture and use leg muscles when lifting to avoid back strain and injury.