Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

While moving a load, turning at the waist will ______________.

1. Reduce the amount of time required

2. Provide good exercise

3. Increase the chance of back injury

4. Help balance the load

The correct answer is: Increase the chance of back injury

Turning at the waist while moving a load can significantly increase the chance of back injury. This is primarily because the human spine is not designed to handle twisting motions while bearing weight. When you turn at the waist, the tension in your back muscles increases, which can lead to strain or injury. Ideally, when lifting or moving loads, one should use their legs and pivot their whole body instead of twisting, which maintains spinal alignment and reduces strain on the back. Proper techniques for moving loads focus on maintaining a stable center of gravity and using ergonomic practices to protect the body from injury.