What personal protective equipment should employees always wear to protect against falling objects?

Wearing hard hats is essential for protecting employees against injuries from falling objects, particularly in construction and industrial settings where overhead work or equipment operation is common. Hard hats are designed specifically to absorb impact and reduce the force of a blow to the head, which can occur if an object falls from heights. They are built to meet safety standards that ensure they provide adequate protection and are made from durable materials that can withstand various impacts.

In contrast, the other options do not offer suitable protection from falling objects. Sneakers, for instance, may provide comfort but lack the rigid structure needed to protect the head. Safety glasses are important for protecting the eyes from debris or hazards but do not address head injuries at all. Similarly, gloves are designed to protect the hands, which, while important in many tasks, do not provide any protection for the head. Hence, hard hats are the only appropriate choice when it comes to defending against the specific hazard of falling objects.