What is the safest position to adopt when placing cribbing?

When placing cribbing, adopting a squatting position is ideal because it allows for both stability and the ability to move quickly if necessary. This position keeps your center of gravity low, which enhances balance and reduces the risk of injury, especially in dynamic situations where the stability of the scene is uncertain.

Additionally, squatting enables you to be in a ready stance; should the situation change or if the unstable object you are cribbing shifts unexpectedly, you can quickly rise and move away from potential hazards.

While leaning back while standing might give the illusion of comfort, it could lead to a loss of balance and increased vulnerability to falling. Sitting on the ground may provide stability but hinders rapid movement, and leaning against a structure can also trap you if the structure fails or shifts, making it less safe during emergencies. Thus, squatting strikes the right balance between stability and responsiveness, making it the safest strategy for placing cribbing.