How can you ensure proper body mechanics while lifting?

Keeping the load close to your body is crucial for ensuring proper body mechanics while lifting. When you maintain the load close, you minimize the strain on your back and muscles, which helps distribute the weight evenly across your body. This practice reduces the risk of injury, enables better control of the load, and increases your lifting efficiency. Proper posture is also maintained, as it encourages the use of your legs rather than your back, allowing you to take advantage of your stronger muscles.

The other options do not promote safe lifting techniques. Bending from the waist can lead to poor posture and increased stress on the back, making it more vulnerable to injury. Lifting with your arms only fails to engage the larger and stronger muscle groups in your legs and core, which can lead to strain. Twisting your torso while lifting is particularly hazardous, as it places undue stress on the spine and can lead to serious injuries. Overall, keeping the load close fosters a safer and more effective approach to lifting and handling materials.