What is a primary risk associated with poor back health and personal fitness during handling?

Cumulative strain injury is primarily associated with poor back health and personal fitness during handling because it results from the repetitive stress and strain placed on the muscles and tendons in the body. When individuals lack physical fitness, they may not have the necessary strength or endurance to support their bodies properly while performing manual handling tasks. This can lead to improper lifting techniques and increased strain on the back and surrounding muscles, ultimately resulting in injuries over time. Cumulative strain injuries often develop gradually and are linked to the consistent overuse of specific muscle groups without adequate rest, recovery, or strength support.

In contrast, while osteoporosis, sciatica, and muscle atrophy can all be related to back health, they are not as directly linked to the acute risks during handling activities. Osteoporosis pertains more to bone density and fragility, sciatica involves nerve pain that is not primarily induced by handling practices, and muscle atrophy is the reduction in muscle mass that occurs due to disuse or inactivity rather than the immediate consequences of poor handling techniques. Thus, cumulative strain injury stands out as the most relevant risk in this context.