Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

To protect your back during lifting, you should place your feet shoulder width apart, __________ and then grasp and lift the object.

1. Bend at the waist

2. Place one knee on the ground

3. Squat down with your feet on either side of the object

4. Bend at the knees

The correct answer is: Bend at the knees

The recommended action of bending at the knees while lifting is crucial for maintaining proper body mechanics and protecting your back from injury. When you bend at the knees, you engage the larger muscles in your legs rather than relying solely on your back muscles to perform the lift. This technique distributes the weight more evenly across your body and lowers the risk of straining your back. Additionally, bending at the knees allows you to maintain a straight back, which is essential for ensuring that the spine remains in a neutral position. This helps to avoid excessive pressure on the spinal discs and reduces the likelihood of back injuries. By squatting down, you also lower your center of gravity, which enhances your stability while lifting. In contrast, bending at the waist puts undue stress on the lower back and increases the risk of injury. Placing one knee on the ground or placing your feet on either side of the object may not provide the same level of support or alignment needed for a safe lift, as these positions can strain different muscle groups and disrupt proper lifting posture.