What is a basic safety rule for lifting objects on deck?

• A. Use proper lifting techniques, bend the knees, keep the back straight, and get help when needed
• B. Lift with a jerking motion to save time
• C. Hold objects away from the body to extend reach
• D. Only use one person for lifting heavy items

Answer: (B)

Safe lifting on deck relies on using proper technique to protect your back and keep the load under control. The key is to bend the knees and use leg muscles, keep the back straight, and bring the object close to the body while lifting. If the item is heavy or awkward, get help or use a teammate or mechanical aid. This approach distributes the effort to stronger muscles, maintains balance, and reduces the risk of back injury, which is especially important on a moving or cluttered deck.

Jerking the load is unsafe because it creates sudden, jerky stress on the spine and can cause strains or injuries. Holding objects away from the body increases leverage and makes it harder to control the lift, raising the chance of losing balance. Relying on a single person for heavy items can lead to overload and injuries if the load is too much for one person. So the safest practice is the proper lifting technique and using assistance when needed.