Where should heavy items be stored to minimize the risk of injury when lifting?

• A. On top shelves
• B. In a cart
• C. Lower Shelves
• D. In the ceiling

Answer: (C)

Keeping heavy items on lower shelves minimizes the risk of injury when lifting. When heavy things sit at waist or knee height, you can bend your knees and hips, keep the load close to your body, and maintain a neutral spine, which reduces strain on your back and shoulders. If heavy items are on top shelves, you’re forced to lift overhead, reach, and twist, which increases the likelihood of a strain or a slip. Using a cart to move items is helpful for transport, but it doesn’t address the storage risk—lifting into the cart or maneuvering it can still cause awkward movements. Storing items in the ceiling is unsafe and impractical. So, the safest choice to minimize lifting risk is keeping heavy items on lower shelves.