What type of personal safety equipment must be worn when working at heights?

When working at heights, wearing a safety harness is essential for personal safety. A safety harness is designed to securely attach the worker to an anchor point, significantly reducing the risk of falling from elevated surfaces. In the event of a slip or loss of balance, the harness prevents the worker from falling to the ground, thereby minimizing the potential for serious injuries or fatalities.

While other types of personal safety equipment, such as safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and reflective vests, play valuable roles in protecting workers in various environments, they do not specifically address the hazards associated with working at heights. Safety glasses protect the eyes from debris, steel-toed boots provide protection for the feet, and reflective vests enhance visibility. However, the unique risks associated with height work necessitate the use of a safety harness to ensure a worker's safety from falls, making it the most critical piece of equipment in this context.