Which of the following is NOT a basic body mechanics rule?

• A. Wear loose clothing during lifting
• B. Maintain a broad base of support
• C. Keep your back straight, bend from the hips and knees
• D. Size up the load and get help if needed

Answer: (A)

Safe lifting is about using proper body mechanics to protect your back and prevent injury. The rules emphasize stability, good leverage, and assessing the load before you move.

Wearing loose clothing during lifting is not part of these safe-lifting guidelines because loose fabric can snag on equipment, get caught on objects, or restrict your movement, increasing the risk of losing balance or being unable to complete the lift safely. In contrast, the other rules promote stability and safe technique: maintaining a broad base of support helps you stay balanced; keeping your back straight and bending at the hips and knees uses larger leg muscles and keeps the spine in a neutral position; and sizing up the load and getting help if needed prevents overstrain.

So, the statement about wearing loose clothing is not a basic body mechanics rule. For safety, choose clothing that fits snugly and won’t interfere with the lift.