The proper use of a conductive mat provides what type of protection for ground workers?

A conductive mat is used primarily to provide grounding for personnel working in areas where electrical hazards are present. When ground workers stand on a conductive mat, it helps to create a low-resistance path for stray electrical currents, effectively directing them safely to the ground rather than allowing them to pass through the workers' bodies. This is known as grounding.

In this context, EPZ grounding refers to an "Equipment Protection Zone," which is specifically designed to protect workers from electrical hazards, ensuring that any potential electrical faults do not harm them. By using a conductive mat, workers are protected from transient voltages, which helps to maintain a safe working environment in close proximity to electrical equipment.

The other options do not address the specific protective function provided by conductive mats in the context of ground workers. Insulated grounding typically refers to the use of insulating materials to protect equipment or conductors rather than workers. Bonding refers to the process of connecting conductive objects together to maintain equal potential, which is different from the direct ground path provided by a conductive mat. General safety is a broader term that encompasses various practices and measures not specifically tied to the unique grounding protection offered by the mat.