To prevent personal injuries, which group of muscles should be used when lowering and lifting ladders?

• A. Leg
• B. Arm
• C. Back
• D. Chest

Answer: (A)

Using the legs to lift and lower ladders keeps the load off the spine and transfers the effort to the body's strongest muscles. When you bend your knees and hips and drive the movement with the quads, hamstrings, and glutes, you’re lifting with the legs rather than pulling with the back. This stance also helps you keep the ladder close to your body and maintain a solid base of support, which reduces twisting and spinal stress.

Arms mainly grip and guide the ladder, while the back and chest aren’t built for lifting heavy loads repeatedly. Relying on those muscles to lift can lead to strains and back injuries. If the ladder is heavy or awkward, get help or use a helper tool to avoid overloading any single muscle group.