What type of equipment is designed to protect employees from workplace hazards?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is specifically designed to protect employees from workplace hazards. This includes items like gloves, masks, helmets, goggles, and ear protection, which help shield workers from physical, chemical, biological, and radiological risks they may encounter during their work. The use of PPE is a critical component of workplace safety protocols, as it minimizes the likelihood of injuries and health issues that may arise as a result of exposure to various hazards.

While protective apparel can also be important, it's a subset of the broader category of PPE. Safety barricades are physical barriers used to restrict access to hazardous areas, and emergency kits are meant to address incidents after they occur, rather than preventing exposure or impacts from hazards. Hence, while all the other options serve important safety roles, it is PPE that is specifically tailored for protection against risks in the work environment.