When lifting and lowering, you should keep the load away from the body.

When lifting and lowering, you should keep the load away from the body.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Always

Answer: (B)

Keeping the load close to your body is essential when lifting and lowering. Holding something away from you increases the lever arm around your spine, which raises the bending moment on your back and heightens the risk of strain or injury. Therefore, the statement about keeping the load away from the body isn’t correct—the safer approach is to keep the load as close as possible to your torso, with a neutral spine, hips and knees bent, and the load near your center of gravity. If the load is heavy or awkward, use help or a lifting aid to keep it close and controlled.

Keeping the load close to your body is essential when lifting and lowering. Holding something away from you increases the lever arm around your spine, which raises the bending moment on your back and heightens the risk of strain or injury. Therefore, the statement about keeping the load away from the body isn’t correct—the safer approach is to keep the load as close as possible to your torso, with a neutral spine, hips and knees bent, and the load near your center of gravity. If the load is heavy or awkward, use help or a lifting aid to keep it close and controlled.