PPE was always optional. Including steel toe boots.
Eye protection while welding was mandatory.
I'm going to guess that paint booth is not the main line.
Why?
Because previously painted units are rolling in.
All the background workers, farther back are fine sanding.
The last 2, before the painters, are using tack off cloth....final prep before paint.
Theses are touch ups.
The normal route sees the car get fully painted, from primer, in 4, 5, or 6 stages.