Utilization or utilizing?

Please look at this question.

The proper ___ of equipment will prevent injuries.
(a) utilization (b) utilizing

The correct answer is (a) utilization. I couldn't understand why (b)utilizing can't the other correct answer.

I've checked the verb "utilize" in my dictionary. It said it is a transitive verb.
Now I think since there is no object of "utilizing", Can't (b)utilizing be the other answer?
Even though it is a gerund, do I need to check whether its origin is from a intransitive verb or a transitive verb?

Thank you for your answer in advance.