Which of the following factors is critical in ensuring the effectiveness of material handling practices?

The effectiveness of material handling practices largely depends on regular maintenance of equipment. Maintaining equipment ensures that all machinery and tools operate efficiently and safely, which is essential in preventing accidents and handling errors that could lead to foreign object debris. Regular maintenance checks can identify and remedy wear and tear, malfunctions, or potential hazards before they result in operational disruptions or safety issues.

While having increased employee numbers, flexible work hours, and access to advanced technology can contribute to a productive workplace, these factors do not directly address the fundamental issue of material integrity and safety during handling processes. Without properly maintained equipment, even the most robust workforce or cutting-edge technology cannot compensate for the risks posed by failures or inefficiencies in material handling systems.