What safety feature is essential to prevent workers from falling off scaffolds?

The essential safety feature to prevent workers from falling off scaffolds is guardrails. Guardrails serve as a protective barrier that helps ensure the safety of individuals working at heights. They are typically installed at the edges of scaffolds and act as a line of defense against falls, which are one of the most significant hazards associated with scaffold use.

By having guardrails in place, workers are less likely to accidentally step or fall off the edge, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities. This feature is crucial in complying with safety regulations and effectively mitigating risks in construction environments.

Other options, such as scaffold painting, decorative attachments, and scaffold height adjustments, do not contribute directly to fall protection and can even introduce additional hazards if not properly managed. Guardrails focus specifically on maintaining worker safety while they carry out their tasks on scaffolding.