When drilling overhead, which protective item should always be worn?

When drilling overhead, wearing safety goggles is essential because the primary risk involved is exposure to flying debris, dust, or particulate matter that can be ejected during the drilling process. Safety goggles provide a secure barrier that protects the eyes from such hazards, reducing the risk of injuries such as scratches or permanent damage to the eyes.

In environments where drilling is taking place, especially overhead, there is a higher likelihood of materials falling or being propelled towards the face. While hard hats provide crucial protection for the head from falling objects and safety gloves help protect the hands from cuts, they do not address the specific risk to the eyes. Similarly, ear protection is critical in noisy environments but does not mitigate risks associated with eye safety from overhead operations. Therefore, safety goggles are the most appropriate and necessary protective item in this context.