What safety device should ramp agents wear while working?

High-visibility vests are essential safety devices for ramp agents because they ensure that personnel are easily seen by operators of ground vehicles and machinery in busy airport environments. This visibility is crucial in preventing accidents, as ramp areas can be hectic, with vehicles moving in close proximity to personnel. Wearing high-visibility vests, typically in bright colors with reflective stripes, significantly increases a ramp agent's visibility in various weather conditions and lighting situations, thus enhancing overall safety on the ramp.

While safety helmets, steel-toed boots, and ear protection each serve important safety functions in different contexts, high-visibility vests specifically address the need for increased visibility in potentially hazardous work zones. Safety helmets are important for protecting against head injuries from falling or dropped objects, steel-toed boots provide foot protection, and ear protection is crucial in noisy environments. However, the primary concern on the ramp, where multiple vehicles and personnel are working closely together, is ensuring that all workers can be clearly seen to prevent accidents. This makes high-visibility vests the correct choice.