Which action violates the principles of proper body mechanics?

Which action violates the principles of proper body mechanics?

• A. Using a step stool to reach items
• B. Bending at the waist to reach items
• C. Avoiding twisting to lift
• D. Avoiding pushing with the arms

Answer: (B)

Bending at the waist to reach items goes against proper body mechanics because it puts the spine in a flexed position while the hips and knees don’t bend enough to share the load. This shifts stress onto the lower back, increases the risk of muscle strains or disc injury, and reduces balance and control. In contrast, using a step stool to reach items keeps the load close to the body and allows you to maintain a neutral spine with hips and knees doing most of the work; avoiding twisting when lifting protects the spine from torques, and pushing with the legs rather than pulling with the back or arms reduces back strain.

Bending at the waist to reach items goes against proper body mechanics because it puts the spine in a flexed position while the hips and knees don’t bend enough to share the load. This shifts stress onto the lower back, increases the risk of muscle strains or disc injury, and reduces balance and control. In contrast, using a step stool to reach items keeps the load close to the body and allows you to maintain a neutral spine with hips and knees doing most of the work; avoiding twisting when lifting protects the spine from torques, and pushing with the legs rather than pulling with the back or arms reduces back strain.