PPE Standard for Construction Now Requires Proper Fit

Through a final rule published in today’s Federal Register, OSHA has amended its personal protective equipment standard for construction to explicitly state that PPE must fit workers properly. The change brings the standard into alignment with the PPE standards for general industry and shipyards, which already required properly fitting PPE.

The text of the rule notes that it does not represent a significant change since OSHA has always interpreted the PPE in construction standard to require properly fitting PPE. The rule is intended to clarify employers’ existing obligations, OSHA states.

“[I]t is clear from the record that workers in the construction industry have either struggled to obtain properly fitting PPE or are still being provided PPE that does not fit,” the text of the rule reads. “This often leaves these employees exposed to the hazards the PPE is meant to protect against and may be creating additional hazards.”

The rule goes into effect Jan. 13, 2025. Read the rule in the Federal Register.