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What is the purpose of installing toe boards around the base where guard rails are placed along elevated work areas?

  1. To provide a decorative finish

  2. As protection from tools or objects that may roll off

  3. To keep workers from leaning over

  4. To serve as a warning sign

The correct answer is: To provide a decorative finish

The purpose of installing toe boards around the base where guard rails are placed along elevated work areas is primarily to provide protection from tools or objects that may roll off. Toe boards act as a barrier that prevents items from falling over the edge of a platform or elevated surface, which is critical for ensuring the safety of workers below. By containing tools and other materials, toe boards help mitigate the risk of accidents and injuries that can result from falling objects in a construction or maintenance setting. While the decorative aspect of toe boards may enhance the appearance of a work area, their functional role in safety is far more significant. The other options suggest different purposes that do not align with the main function of toe boards in preventing accidents related to falling tools or materials.