What factor is most critical for maintaining safety in a construction environment?

Maintaining safety in a construction environment heavily relies on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is essential because it provides a physical barrier between workers and potential hazards, such as falling objects, sharp tools, chemicals, or hazardous materials. This equipment includes items such as helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, and safety boots, all designed to minimize the risk of injury.

While proper training is vital in ensuring that workers understand safety protocols and can identify potential hazards, and documentation plays a role in tracking safety compliance and incidents, the immediate protection that PPE offers can prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. The site layout is also important for facilitating safe work practices, but it does not provide the direct protection that PPE does. Thus, the use of appropriate PPE is a fundamental safety measure that directly impacts worker safety on construction sites.