What is the primary function of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace?

The primary function of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace is to protect employees from health and safety hazards. PPE is designed to minimize exposure to a variety of risks that can cause injury or illness. This includes protection against physical hazards, chemical exposure, electrical hazards, and airborne contaminants, among others. By wearing appropriate PPE, employees can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering these risks, ensuring a safer work environment.

While comfort, safety training, and hazard marking are important aspects of workplace safety, they do not represent the core purpose of PPE. PPE is specifically created to act as a barrier against potential dangers that workers face on the job, thereby playing a crucial role in occupational health and safety.