What is critical to verify before any lift is executed?

Verifying the weight of the load before executing any lift is crucial because it directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of the lifting operation. Knowing the load's weight allows operators to select the appropriate lifting equipment, such as cranes, hoists, or slings, that can safely handle the weight without risk of equipment failure or accident. Additionally, understanding the load weight helps in assessing factors such as center of gravity and stability, which are essential for safe maneuvering and positioning.

Other considerations, like the color of flagging or time of year, may pertain to operational protocols or situational awareness but do not bear the same critical direct influence on the lift's safety. The height of the lift is also important, particularly in assessing risk factors and engineering requirements; however, the weight is a fundamental variable that must be accurately established first to ensure all other considerations can be addressed safely.