Which safety device is critical for preventing lifting accidents?

The load limiter is a critical safety device designed to prevent lifting accidents by ensuring that the load being lifted does not exceed the safe working load capacity of the equipment or rigging being used. This device automatically restricts the operations if the load approaches or exceeds the predefined limit, effectively preventing overload situations that could lead to equipment failure, accidents, or potential injuries to personnel.

While other options like load cells, safety harnesses, and counterweights play significant roles in lifting operations, they serve different purposes. Load cells are used to measure the weight of a load, providing useful data to operators, but they do not prevent overloads by themselves. Safety harnesses are essential for protecting workers from falls when working at heights but are not directly involved in load management. Counterweights help stabilize equipment, such as cranes, during lifting operations but do not directly limit the lifting capacity. Therefore, the load limiter stands out as a proactive safety mechanism specifically aimed at preventing overload situations that can lead to serious accidents.