What is the primary purpose of providing life jackets at work sites near water?

The primary purpose of providing life jackets at work sites near water is to prevent drowning in case of falls into water. This is an essential safety measure, as water-related incidents can occur unexpectedly and can be life-threatening. By equipping workers with life jackets, employers take proactive steps to enhance safety and mitigate the risk of serious injury or death from drowning.

The other options do not address the primary concern of safety in hazardous environments. While comfort and compliance with insurance requirements may be relevant, they are not the main reasons why life jackets are a critical safety feature at work sites near water. Moreover, ensuring that employees are trained in swimming is valuable, but it does not alleviate the immediate risks associated with potential falls into water. Thus, the emphasis on life jackets directly relates to reducing the risk of drowning, making this the most pertinent purpose for their provision at such worksites.