What is the primary role of toeboards on elevated work surfaces?

Toeboards are primarily designed to keep debris and materials from falling off elevated work surfaces. In construction and other elevated work environments, it is crucial to prevent materials, tools, or any objects from falling, as they can pose serious hazards to workers below. The toeboard functions as a physical barrier at the edge of a platform or work surface, providing a safeguard that helps maintain a safe working environment by mitigating the risk of injuries caused by falling objects.

While toeboards can also offer some additional benefits, such as potentially preventing tools from falling and providing a minor visual barrier, their main purpose is to ensure that loose materials and debris do not accidentally drop off the edge, which could lead to accidents and injuries on the job site.