When lifting a heavy object, which body part should stay in a fixed straight-line position?

When lifting a heavy object, which body part should stay in a fixed straight-line position?

• A. Shoulders
• B. Knees
• C. Elbow
• D. Back

Answer: (D)

Keep the spine in a neutral, straight alignment throughout the lift. This position protects the back by avoiding rounds or excessive arching, which can put dangerous shear and compressive forces on the spine. The power for the lift should come from bending at the hips and knees and driving with the legs, while the back stays straight and the object stays close to the body. Shoulders and arms should move naturally with the lift, but the key is not to let the back bend or twist—the more the back stays in a fixed straight-line position, the safer and more efficient the lift becomes.

Keep the spine in a neutral, straight alignment throughout the lift. This position protects the back by avoiding rounds or excessive arching, which can put dangerous shear and compressive forces on the spine. The power for the lift should come from bending at the hips and knees and driving with the legs, while the back stays straight and the object stays close to the body. Shoulders and arms should move naturally with the lift, but the key is not to let the back bend or twist—the more the back stays in a fixed straight-line position, the safer and more efficient the lift becomes.