What is required for each employee performing overhand bricklaying operations from a supported scaffold?

In the context of overhand bricklaying operations from a supported scaffold, a personal fall arrest system or guardrail system is essential for ensuring the safety of employees. Overhead work poses a significant risk of falls, particularly when employees are working at heights where the possibility of falling can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

A personal fall arrest system involves a harness that is worn by the worker and is connected to an anchorage point designed to stop a fall in progress. This system is crucial because it provides the necessary safety measure to prevent a worker from falling off the scaffold or the work area.

Additionally, a guardrail system is another effective way to protect workers by providing a physical barrier at the edge of the work platform, thus minimizing the risk of falling.

Other options like wearing a helmet and chaps are relevant to safety but do not specifically address the fall hazards associated with scaffold operations. A helmet protects the head from falling objects, while chaps are generally used for protection against sharp objects or materials. A safety harness, while part of a personal fall arrest system, is not sufficient by itself without being properly anchored. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that includes a fall arrest system or a guardrail is necessary for employee safety during such operations.