When lifting overhead, what are the first two pieces of PPE that should be utilized?

When lifting overhead, the primary concern is the protection of the worker's head and eyes from potential falling objects or debris. The hard hat is designed to protect the head from impacts, while safety goggles or glasses guard against eyestrain and injuries from flying particles or falling materials that can occur during overhead lifting activities. Utilizing these two pieces of personal protective equipment ensures that the most critical areas—where injuries can be severe—are adequately protected, adhering to safety protocols in construction and heavy equipment operations.

Other options, while important in various contexts, do not address the immediate risks associated with overhead lifting in the same way. For instance, gloves and safety shoes are important for grip and foot protection, but they do not mitigate the risk of falling objects. Similarly, ear protection and safety vests serve specific roles in noise reduction and visibility, respectively, but do not directly protect the head or eyes. Lastly, while respirators and gloves are crucial in specific environments, they are not the first line of defense in situations involving overhead lifting. Thus, the selection of a hard hat and safety goggles as the first two pieces of PPE is based on the specific hazards presented in that scenario.