Force-Related Risk Factors
Posture
As you learned in the previous module, the weight of the load is not the only factor that determines your risk of injury. The posture and movement of the employee while lifting is also an important factor. The force required to lift an object can place an enormous amount of stress on the lower back, especially the L5/S1 discs, when bending over and lifting with the back instead of the legs.
The Arm Lever Equation
The impact of improper lifting techniques on the compressive forces exerted on the L5/S1 discs in the lower back when lifting a 50 lb box while bent over forces the employee to rely on the back, substantially increasing the risk of injury. Moreover, if the employee were to twist while lifting the heavy load, the likelihood of sustaining an injury would increase even further.
This video explains the Arm Lever equation and explains how improper lifting techniques can significantly influence the force exerted on the lower back.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-3. The risk of injury increases greatly when _____.
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