What is the first rule of safe lifting?

The first rule of safe lifting is to maintain a straight, vertical position of the back. This technique helps to utilize the strong muscles of the legs and minimizes the strain on the spinal column. By keeping the back straight, you ensure that your body can distribute the weight evenly and reduce the risk of injury when lifting heavy objects. This posture aligns the spine properly, allowing for a safer transfer of weight from the legs, which are much stronger than the back muscles. Proper lifting techniques are essential, especially in an EMT context, where lifting patients or equipment is a frequent task.

The other methods may not provide the same level of protection against injury. For example, having the palms faced down might affect the grip and stability on the object being lifted, while spreading legs too far apart or allowing the back to curve can increase the risk of lifting-related injuries. Therefore, keeping the back straight is fundamental to safe lifting practices.