What does "PPE" in the hierarchy of control refer to?

The term "PPE" stands for Personal Protective Equipment, which is a crucial component in workplace safety protocols, especially in environments involving heavy machinery like forklifts. PPE encompasses a variety of gear designed to protect workers from specific hazards that they may encounter on the job. This includes items such as helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear.

Understanding the role of PPE in the hierarchy of control is essential. It represents the last line of defense against potential workplace hazards. While ideally, risks should be eliminated or controlled through engineering controls or administrative measures, PPE is necessary to safeguard workers if these higher levels of protection are insufficient. Thus, recognizing the importance and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment can significantly reduce the risk of injury or illness in the workplace.

The other options, while they may contain terms that sound plausible, do not accurately define what PPE stands for in the context of workplace safety.