National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Business Practice Exam

What is the proper method for lifting heavy objects to prevent injury?

1. Lift with your back

2. Keep your feet together

3. Keep the back straight and lift with your legs

4. Twist your body while lifting

The correct answer is: Keep the back straight and lift with your legs

The correct approach to lifting heavy objects involves maintaining proper body mechanics to minimize the risk of injury. Keeping the back straight and lifting with your legs is essential because this method utilizes the stronger muscles in your legs rather than the back, which is more susceptible to strain. When you lift with your legs, you lower your body into a squatting position, keeping your back straight and your core engaged. By doing this, you distribute the weight of the object more evenly across your body and have better stability and balance, which reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Maintaining a straight back while lifting ensures that the spine is properly aligned, protecting the vertebral discs and reducing the risk of back injuries. This technique promotes safer lifting and can help prevent chronic pain or acute trauma. The other methods listed in the choices do not provide the same level of safety. For instance, lifting with your back places undue stress on the spinal column, and keeping your feet together can create a less stable base, increasing the risk of falling or losing balance. Twisting while lifting can also lead to severe injuries, as it places additional strain on the spine and can easily result in muscle strains. Thus, lifting with the legs while keeping the back straight is the most effective and safe technique