OSHA Finalizes Rule for Personal Protective Equipment in Construction

December 11, 2024 -- The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has finalized a critical revision to its personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry. This update explicitly requires that PPE properly fits any construction worker who needs it, enhancing protection against hazardous work conditions. The rule will be effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Why Properly Fitting PPE Matters

Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker emphasized the importance of the update, particularly for underrepresented groups in construction. “I’ve talked to workers in construction, particularly women, who have spoken of personal protective equipment that didn’t fit or was simply unavailable at the jobsite in their size,” said Parker. “PPE must fit properly to work. I’m proud of the broad support from both employers and unions for OSHA’s efforts to make clear that employers must provide the right PPE for each worker who needs it.”

Improperly fitting PPE can pose serious safety risks on a construction site. For example:

• Oversized gloves or protective clothing can get caught in machinery, creating new hazards.
• Poorly fitting equipment can be uncomfortable or ineffective, discouraging workers from wearing it altogether.

The revised rule ensures construction workers, regardless of size or gender, receive the properly fitting equipment they need to stay safe. This change brings the construction industry in line with standards already established for general industry.

Addressing a Longstanding Safety Concern

The issue of ill-fitting PPE has been a longstanding concern in construction, particularly for women and physically smaller or larger workers. By explicitly requiring employers to provide PPE that fits, OSHA’s rule helps close a safety gap that has affected many workers.

Employers are encouraged to review their PPE policies and ensure compliance with this new rule to prioritize worker safety and mitigate workplace hazards.

Quick Links

• OSHA Personal Protective Equipment
• PPE and Women in Construction
• PPE for All Genders and Sizes