When lifting, should objects be held close to the body or far away from the body?

When lifting, should objects be held close to the body or far away from the body?

• A. Far away from the body
• B. Close to the body
• C. Above shoulder level
• D. At arm's length

Answer: (B)

Holding objects close to the body minimizes the load on the back by shortening the lever arm. When the load is near your center of gravity, your legs—being stronger and designed for lifting—do the work, helping keep the spine aligned and reducing the torque that can cause injury. So the best practice is to keep the object close to your body, near your midline, and lift with your legs rather than pulling or reaching. Lifting far away, or at arm’s length, increases the lever arm and torque on the spine, raising the risk of strain or injury.

Holding objects close to the body minimizes the load on the back by shortening the lever arm. When the load is near your center of gravity, your legs—being stronger and designed for lifting—do the work, helping keep the spine aligned and reducing the torque that can cause injury. So the best practice is to keep the object close to your body, near your midline, and lift with your legs rather than pulling or reaching. Lifting far away, or at arm’s length, increases the lever arm and torque on the spine, raising the risk of strain or injury.