Which piece of equipment must be inspected regularly for fall protection?

Safety harnesses must be inspected regularly for fall protection because they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of workers at heights. A safety harness is part of a personal fall arrest system, and its effectiveness directly impacts the safety and risk of injury in case of a fall. Regular inspections help to identify any signs of wear, damage, or degradation that could compromise the harness's integrity and functionality. This includes checking for frays, tears, corrosion on metal components, and ensuring that all buckles and lanyards operate properly.

While the other equipment listed, such as hard hats, gloves, and work boots, are important for overall safety, they do not specifically function as part of a fall protection system in the same way that safety harnesses do. Therefore, the regular inspection of safety harnesses is critical in maintaining compliance with safety regulations and ensuring the well-being of workers engaged in tasks at heights.