Final answer:
Maria should lift heavy boxes by bending at the knees and hips, keeping her back straight, lifting with her legs, holding the box close to her body, and avoiding twisting. Carrying should be done with the box balanced and a clear pathway.
Step-by-step explanation:
When lifting heavy boxes, Maria should use proper body mechanics to reduce the risk of injury. The correct technique involves standing close to the box with feet shoulder-width apart for stability. She should then do the following:
- Bend at the knees and hips, not the waist, to get down to the box's level.
- Keep the back straight and tighten the abdominal muscles to support the spine.
- Use the leg muscles, not the back, to lift the box by straightening the knees.
- Grip the box with both hands and hold it close to her body to lower the strain on her back.
- Avoid twisting while holding the box; turn the entire body instead.
- When carrying the box, ensure to keep it balanced and her pathway clear.
- To place the box down, use the same lifting technique in reverse — bend at the knees and hips, keep the back straight, and gently lower the box to the desired location.
Following these steps can help prevent injury and make the process of carrying heavy items more efficient.