What does an awareness barrier help to achieve?

An awareness barrier is designed to enhance worker awareness of potential hazards associated with machinery. By serving as a visual or physical reminder of the dangers present, it helps to ensure that operators are mindful of their surroundings and the risks they may encounter while working near moving parts or equipment. This awareness can lead to more cautious behavior around machines, reducing the likelihood of accidents or injuries.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary function of an awareness barrier. While increasing visibility of moving parts might be a beneficial feature of certain guarding systems, an awareness barrier is specifically aimed at alerting individuals to risks rather than enhancing visibility per se. Indicating the machine's energy status is a function typically associated with lockout/tagout procedures or energy control systems, which are more technical in nature than awareness barriers. Protecting against electrical shocks involves insulation or grounding techniques, which are not the primary purpose of awareness barriers. The focus of awareness barriers is on promoting safe behaviors and maintaining heightened awareness of hazards.