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

The role of personal protective equipment (PPE) in workplace safety is to reduce exposure to hazards when other safety measures, such as engineering and administrative controls, are not sufficient to eliminate those hazards. PPE can include items such as gloves, helmets, goggles, and respirators, which serve as a last line of defense in protecting workers from potential injuries or illnesses that could arise from workplace hazards.

This answer highlights the critical function of PPE in a comprehensive safety plan. While engineering controls (like machine guards) and administrative controls (such as safety training and protocols) are designed to minimize risks, there are instances where these measures may not fully mitigate exposure. In such situations, PPE becomes essential to safeguard workers. It serves as an important aspect of an overall safety strategy, emphasizing that even with the best safety systems in place, the additional layer of protection provided by PPE is necessary to ensure a safe working environment.