Final answer:
The food handler should ask a coworker for a clean apron to maintain food safety standards. If unavailable, inform a supervisor and proceed as advised, prioritizing food safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a situation where a food handler does not have time to get a clean apron before their shift starts, the most appropriate action would be to ask a coworker for a clean apron. Wearing a dirty apron can contaminate the food and thus must be avoided to ensure food safety. If a clean apron is not available from a coworker, the worker should inform their supervisor and follow their guidance, possibly working without an apron as a last resort, but always ensuring that food safety is not compromised.