Which of the following is a potential consequence of failing to wear protective clothing during emissions testing?

The potential consequence of failing to wear protective clothing during emissions testing primarily relates to the risk of injury. During emissions testing, inspectors may come into contact with hazardous substances or face exposure to harmful gases and chemicals emitted from vehicles. Protective clothing is designed to safeguard the inspector from these risks, helping to prevent skin contact with toxic materials and minimizing the likelihood of respiratory issues from inhaling harmful emissions. When inspectors do not wear the appropriate protective gear, they significantly increase their vulnerability to injuries, which can lead to serious health problems.

In contrast, the other options focus on operational aspects rather than health and safety consequences. Increased workload pertains to the amount of work inspectors might face, which is unrelated to safety. Higher inspection costs might arise from various factors but are not a direct result of clothing choices. Lastly, delayed inspection results involve administrative or procedural issues, which do not connect to personal safety concerns that arise from not wearing protective clothing.