What is the purpose of wearing PPE in the workplace?

• A. To improve fashion sense
• B. To satisfy regulatory appearances
• C. To protect workers from injury and health hazards
• D. To increase productivity through speed

Answer: (C)

Wearing PPE in the workplace is about safeguarding workers by creating a protective barrier between themselves and potential hazards. PPE helps prevent injuries and illness when hazards can’t be fully controlled through elimination, substitution, or engineering controls. For example, gloves, goggles, helmets, respirators, and hearing protection are chosen to match the specific hazards present on the job. Proper use matters: PPE must fit well, be appropriate for the task, kept in good condition, and used correctly as part of a broader safety plan. It’s the last line of defense, not a substitute for safer equipment or good work practices, and it isn’t about fashion or speed.