What is the best method to ensure safety when lifting heavy materials?

Using proper lifting techniques and tools is essential for ensuring safety when lifting heavy materials. Proper techniques involve bending your knees, keeping your back straight, and using the strength of your legs to lift, rather than relying solely on your back. This helps to prevent injuries such as strains or sprains, which can occur when lifting improperly.

In addition, utilizing appropriate tools—such as dollies, forklifts, or lifting straps—can significantly reduce the risk of injury by distributing the weight and enabling easier movement of heavy materials. By incorporating both technique and tools, workers can lift materials more efficiently and safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents on the job site.

Other methods listed may not prioritize safety. Lifting with your back can lead to serious injuries, carrying materials unassisted increases the risk of dropping loads and hurting yourself or others, and while a pulley system can be useful, it may not be practical for all situations and doesn't directly address individual safety techniques when lifting.