Which of the following is a key practice to ensure safe lifting techniques?

Bending your knees while keeping your back straight is crucial for safe lifting techniques as it helps maintain proper body mechanics and reduces the risk of injury, particularly to the lower back. This method allows the stronger muscles in your legs to do most of the work, rather than straining your back. By incorporating a squat-like motion and engaging the core for stability, you minimize the chances of overexerting yourself and causing potential harm during lifting activities.

Proper lifting not only involves the position of your body but also emphasizes whole-body coordination, which is critical when managing heavy or awkward loads. This technique is widely recommended in various training programs and safety guidelines for lifting in order to promote long-term health and prevent musculoskeletal injuries.