Twisting and Force
Twisting in the middle of a lift amplifies the forces on the lower back. Imagine placing a tomato between the palms of your hands and applying direct pressure. It might take a great deal of force to burst the tomato. However, give the motion a twist while applying the pressure and it will take far less pressure to burst the tomato.
Twisting while lifting, pushing, pulling, lowering, or raising may have the same effect on the back. Consequently, twisting while taking any of these actions exposes the back to a much greater risk of injury.
For more information on general ergonomic factors in the workplace, please see OSHAcademy Course 711 Introduction to Ergonomics.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-9. The back is more likely to be injured when the lift _____.
You forgot to answer the question!