Which of the following is a key characteristic of PPE?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed primarily to decrease the risk of injury to individuals working in hazardous environments. When properly selected and used, PPE acts as a barrier against various hazards such as chemicals, physical dangers, and biological threats, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. This characteristic is fundamental to the purpose of PPE, as its effectiveness relies on the reduction of risks associated with specific hazards present in the workplace.

While other options mention important aspects of PPE, such as comfort and adjustability, these are not the primary functions of PPE. Moreover, it is important to note that PPE cannot prevent all hazards completely; there may always be inherent risks in any work environment that PPE cannot mitigate entirely. Thus, the focus on decreasing risk of injury accurately reflects the essential role that PPE plays in workplace safety.