According to several studies and statistics approximately 30% of all occupational accidents occur in materials handling. This paper presents a general description of the work system of materials handling and its elements and safety characteristics and offers some examples of accident prevention possibilities. Also presented is a survey of the methods used to study the safety of materials handling. An analysis of crane accidents revealed that focusing attention on the safety of load fastening and load loosening and improving the tackle itself would reduce crane accidents. Some of the results of a study of the problems of sheet metal handling are also included, as well as the testing of the safety characteristics of plate clamps with a method developed for this particular purpose.