Occupational and Environmental Health: Recognizing and Preventing Disease and Injury - Multiple Choice Questions - Learn & Prevent

Why are personal protective equipment (PPE) considered as the last resort in controlling exposures?

1. Because PPE is often uncomfortable to wear

2. Because it depends on worker compliance and may not reliably prevent exposure

3. Because it is more expensive than engineering controls

4. Because it does not eliminate the source of the hazard

The correct answer is: Because it depends on worker compliance and may not reliably prevent exposure

PPE is considered the last resort in controlling exposures because it relies on the compliance of workers, which may not always be reliable. Unlike engineering controls, which eliminate the source of the hazard, PPE only protects the individual wearing it and does not address the hazard itself. Additionally, PPE can be expensive, leading to increased costs for the company. However, it is still an important part of workplace safety measures and should only be used as the last line of defense after other control methods have been implemented.