When lifting a 25-lb box of material, the best lifting practice is to:

The best lifting practice when handling a 25-lb box of material involves keeping the back straight and lifting with the legs. This method is crucial for preventing injury, particularly to the back. When you lift with your legs, you engage the larger muscle groups in your legs, which are designed to handle heavy loads safely. Maintaining a straight back helps to ensure that the spine is aligned and reduces the risk of straining muscles or causing disc problems.

By using proper body mechanics, you minimize the chances of injury that can result from improper lifting techniques, such as bending at the waist, which places undue stress on the back. This approach fosters safer lifting practices in the workplace, promoting health and safety protocols essential in any physical job.

While using a hand truck can be an effective method for transporting heavy items, it may not always be available or practical in every situation. Asking a coworker for assistance is a good practice as well, but it may not always be necessary for an item of this weight if proper lifting techniques are employed. Therefore, the most effective and safe method in this scenario emphasizes the importance of using your legs and keeping your back straight during the lift.