What safety plan criterion helps to reduce back injuries in the kitchen?

Bending at the knees to lift heavy objects is a widely recognized technique for preventing back injuries and promoting safe lifting practices. This method allows you to use the strength of your legs, which are generally stronger than your back muscles. By bending at the knees and keeping the load close to your body, you maintain a safer posture that supports the spine, reducing the risk of strain and injury.

Using a strong vertical lift is not as commonly recognized as an effective method in the same way that bending at the knees is. While maintaining a vertical spine is important, focusing solely on vertical lifting without the knee-bending technique might still lead to improper form and potential back injuries.

Twisting while lifting is discouraged as it introduces rotational forces that can place undue stress on the back. This action increases the risk of muscle strain or injury, especially when combined with lifting heavy objects.

Relying on upper body strength alone is ineffective because the back is often not as strong as the legs for lifting tasks. It can lead to overextension of back muscles and associated injuries, making it vital to employ proper techniques that distribute the load more evenly across the body.