What is the recommended way to carry a load?

Carrying a load close to the body with arms bent and elbows at the sides is the recommended method because it utilizes the body's natural strength while minimizing the risk of injury. This position allows for better balance and stability, enabling the person to leverage their core muscles effectively. Keeping the load close also reduces strain on the back, as it maintains the center of gravity closer to the body’s own center of mass. This way, the individual can maintain better control over the weight, which is essential for safe manual handling.

The other methods presented increase the risk of injury. For example, carrying a load with arms extended straight can lead to increased strain on the shoulders and back due to the awkward positioning and the greater distance from the body's center of gravity. Carrying overhead can impair balance and visibility while placing significant strain on the shoulders and neck. Using only one arm to carry a load can create an imbalance, increasing the likelihood of dropping the load or causing strain injuries to the arm and back due to uneven weight distribution.