Read the memo below and answer the questions that follow.

Question

TO: All Employees
FROM: Dan Rogers
DATE: March 15, 2013
SUBJECT: Proper Lifting Techniques
In the past three months, our company has seen a 60 percent increase in on-the-job back injuries. These accidents cost thousands of dollars in workers’ compensation claims each year. Even worse, though, a back injury can cause long-term disability. Someone who hurts his or her back may never be able to return to work or handle simple, everyday tasks like combing hair or picking up a baby. So please review the proper procedures for picking up heavy objects, both at work and at home. These techniques will significantly reduce your risk of experiencing back strain.
• Plan ahead what you want to do and don’t be in a hurry. Position yourself close to the object you
want to lift. Separate your feet shoulder-width apart to give yourself a solid base of support. Bend
at the knees. Tighten your stomach muscles as you stand up. Don’t try to lift by yourself an object
that is too heavy or is an awkward shape. Get help.
• To lift a very light object from the floor, such as a piece of paper, lean over the object, slightly
bend one knee and extend the other leg behind you. Hold on to a nearby chair or table for support
as you reach down to the object.
• Whether you’re lifting a heavy laundry basket or a heavy box on the job, remember to get close to
the object, bend at the knees, and lift with your leg muscles. Do not bend at your waist. When
lifting luggage, stand alongside the luggage, bend at your knees, grasp the handle, and straighten
up.
• While you are holding the object, keep your knees slightly bent to maintain your balance. If you
have to move the object to one side, avoid twisting your body. Point your toes in the direction you
want to move and pivot1 in that direction. Keep the object close to you when moving.
• If you must place an object on a shelf, move as close as possible to the shelf. Spread your feet in a
wide stance, positioning one foot in front of the other, to give you a solid base of support. Do not
lean forward and do not fully extend your arms while holding the object in your hands.
• If the shelf is chest high, move close to the shelf and place your feet apart and one foot forward.
Lift the object chest high, keep your elbows at your side, and position your hands so you can push
the object up and onto the shelf. Remember to tighten your stomach muscles before lifting.
• When sitting, keep your back in a normal, slightly arched position. Make sure your chair supports
your lower back. Keep your head and shoulders erect. Make sure your working surface is at the
proper height so you don’t have to lean forward.
• Once an hour, if possible, stand and stretch. Place your hands on your lower back and gently arch
backward.
• Following these procedures will help protect you from a costly and painful injury. Please call my
office at extension 613 if you have any questions about this information.

1. According to this memo, which of the following is NOT a reason to protect yourself from back
injury?
a. It costs your company money.
b. It can prevent you from being able to work again.
c. It can prevent you from being able to do simple, everyday activities.
d. It can result in an addiction to painkilling drugs.

2. To lift a light object from the floor, you should lean over the object, bend one knee, and
a. stretch one arm high into the air.
b. stretch your other leg out behind you.
c. lower the other knee to the floor.
d. bend at the waist.

3. When lifting a heavy object, you should never
a. bend your knees.
b. lift with your leg muscles.
c. bend at the waist.
d. get close to the object.

4. If you sit all day, what should you try to do once every hour?
a. lift something heavy
b. tighten your stomach muscles
c. stand and stretch
d. pivot from side to side

Answer 1

1. d
2. b
3. c
4. c