What type of protective gear is worn to prevent injury from impact and falling objects in the workplace?

The correct answer is protective helmet, as it is specifically designed to safeguard the head from impacts and falling objects in various work environments, especially in construction and industrial settings. Protective helmets, commonly referred to as hard hats, have robust materials and design features that absorb and dissipate impact forces, thereby reducing the risk of serious head injuries from accidental drops or collisions.

Safety glasses are primarily intended to protect the eyes from debris, chemical splashes, or harmful light exposure, but they do not offer protection for the head. Steel-toed boots help protect the feet from heavy objects falling or rolling onto them, addressing foot and toe injuries rather than head injuries. Hearing protection is essential in environments with excessive noise levels, preventing hearing loss but not related to impact protection for the head. Each type of gear serves a different protective purpose, but when it comes to preventing injury from impact and falling objects, a protective helmet is the appropriate choice.