What is the primary purpose of PPE?

The primary purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE) is to create a protective barrier between a worker and hazards. PPE is designed to shield individuals from various risks, including physical, chemical, biological, and radiological hazards that they may encounter while performing their job duties. This protective equipment includes items such as helmets, gloves, goggles, masks, and safety footwear, all of which are essential in preventing injuries or illnesses that could result from exposure to dangerous conditions.

While compliance with legal requirements is important, and PPE can also enhance productivity and help with minimizing equipment costs, these are not the fundamental reason for its use. The central focus of PPE is the safety and well-being of workers by reducing the potential for accidents and injuries in the workplace.