Which factor should be considered when manually lifting materials?

When manually lifting materials, considering distance is crucial because it directly affects the amount of strain placed on the body during the lifting process. The farther you have to lift or carry an object, the more energy and strength it requires, which increases the risk of injury, particularly to the back and legs. Proper lifting techniques often emphasize minimizing the distance by bringing the load as close to the body as possible and lifting straight up, which helps maintain balance and reduces strain.

While the other factors—weight, material type, and height—are also important, distance is particularly emphasized in terms of biomechanics and injury prevention. Understanding the implications of distance can help in planning the lifting process better and can lead to a safer and more efficient handling of materials.