What is the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) in workplace safety?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a critical role in workplace safety primarily by reducing exposure to hazards that can cause injury or illness. PPE is designed to create a barrier between the worker and potential risks present in the environment, such as chemical spills, biological agents, physical hazards, or particulate matter. This protective gear—ranging from gloves and helmets to respirators and safety goggles—ensures that employees have an additional layer of defense against various dangers they may encounter while performing their tasks.

While comfort, productivity, and adherence to dress codes can be important aspects of the work environment, they are not the fundamental purpose of PPE. The primary focus of PPE is to safeguard workers' health by minimizing their risk of exposure to workplace hazards, which aligns with OSHA's objective of ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees. Hence, the emphasis on reducing exposure to hazards is crucial for fostering a safer workplace.