Government safety regulations require which type of protective gear when working with overhead materials?

When working with overhead materials, wearing a hard hat is essential due to the potential risks associated with falling objects. Hard hats are designed to protect the head from impacts, which is a critical safety consideration in environments where materials may be lifted or stacked above the worker's head.

The design of hard hats helps to absorb the shock of a falling object, further ensuring the safety of individuals in a workspace where heavy materials or equipment are common. Additionally, regulations often dictate that hard hats be worn in construction zones or areas where overhead work is performed to mitigate the risk of severe injuries that could result from head trauma caused by falling debris.

In contrast, while safety gloves, steel-toed boots, and face shields are important for different types of hazards in the workplace, they do not specifically address the risks associated with falling objects as comprehensively as hard hats do in this context.