The study was conducted to ascertain a safe system of work for lifting operations across selected companies in Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria. In the course of the work, there was a review of the concept of safety, occupational safety, and safe systems of work for lifting operations. A descriptive research method was adopted for this work. The number of inhabitants in the review was the functional staff of almost all the companies operating at Onne, including the clearing and forwarding companies. A random sampling method was applied in choosing the samples used in the study. The primary wellsprings of information were gathered with the utilization of poll. The wellsprings of optional information were the records gotten from distributed reputable journals and textbooks. The results obtained indicated a high level of hazards and risk associated with lifting operations in the workplace. It also showed employees and employers consistent exposure to lifting operations risks. The effect of such exposure without proper risk prevention and management often results into high profile incidents. Both temporary and permanent disability of workers may occur which impact on their primary assignments resulting to financial loss and reputation damage. Also, the study showed that awareness level of staff towards inherent hazards and risks was relatively high. Activity risk assessment for lifting operations showed 93.83%.The significance of the study is that, there is  high level of compliance to statutory requirements in lifting operations is needed. It is also highly recommended that organizations should constantly train workers on preventive safety measures in lifting operations, and ensure the implementation of international safety best practices.