Safety Trained Supervisor in Construction (STSC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free STSC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for workforce safety, and OSHA recognizes various protective devices that help prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace. The focus here is on the classification of equipment that is considered PPE under OSHA standards.

Hard hats, goggles, and respirators are widely recognized as forms of PPE. Hard hats protect the head from injuries due to falling objects, goggles provide eye protection against hazardous materials or flying debris, and respirators are vital for safeguarding workers from inhaling harmful dust, fumes, or gases.

While back braces can provide support and can be useful in minimizing strain during lifting or repetitive motion activities, they are not classified by OSHA as PPE. Instead, back braces are often considered ergonomic aids or personal comfort items, which, while beneficial in certain contexts, do not meet the criteria established for protective equipment aimed directly at preventing injury or exposure to environmental hazards. This distinction underscores why back braces are not included in the list of PPE recognized by OSHA.