Which piece of equipment is necessary for reducing the risk of injury from falling objects on scaffolds?

Safety helmets are essential for reducing the risk of injury from falling objects on scaffolds because they are specifically designed to protect the head from impacts and potential injuries. When working on scaffolds, the risk of tools or materials falling from above is significant, and a safety helmet acts as a protective barrier, absorbing and deflecting the force of any falling debris.

While safety goggles, padded gloves, and steel-toed boots contribute to overall personal protective equipment (PPE) and workplace safety, they do not specifically address the issue of falling objects. Safety goggles protect the eyes, gloves can prevent hand injuries during handling, and steel-toed boots safeguard the feet from heavy items, but none provide the head protection necessary to mitigate the specific hazards associated with falling objects on scaffolds. Therefore, safety helmets are the most critical equipment in this context.