SafetyPolicy Podcasts

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new rule that requires construction employers to provide properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) to their workers. The revision to the standard adds specific language requiring that employers provide PPE that properly fits construction industry workers.

• When it takes effect

The new rule takes effect on January 13, 2025.

• What it requires

The rule requires employers to ensure that PPE, such as hard hats, safety harnesses, gloves, and protective footwear, fits each worker’s body size and shape.

• Why it’s important

The rule aims to improve workplace safety, especially for women and workers who are physically smaller or larger than average. Improperly fitting PPE can be ineffective and create new hazards for workers.

• What’s included

The rule applies to all types of PPE, including footwear, gloves, helmets, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators, and protective clothing.

• What’s not clear

The rule lacks clear guidance on defining “properly fitting” PPE, which has caused industry concern.

Many types of personal protective equipment must be sized to fit a worker properly. Improperly sized PPE can be ineffective in protecting workers; create new hazards for the worker, such as oversized gloves or protective clothing being caught in machinery; and discourage use because of discomfort or poor fit. The matter has been a longstanding industry safety concern, particularly among some women as well as among physically smaller or larger workers.

OSHA is finalizing revisions to its personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for construction, at 29 CFR 1926.95(c), to explicitly state that PPE must fit properly.

OSHA’s standard at 29 CFR 1926.95 sets out the requirements for PPE in construction. Section 1926.95(a) requires that all types of PPE must be provided by employer, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition whenever the PPE is necessary due to workplace hazards. Section 1926.95(b) further requires that, even when employees provide their own PPE, the employer must assure its adequacy, including proper maintenance, and sanitation. Section 1926.95(c) provides that all PPE must be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed. standards, the current PPE construction standard at § 1926.95 does not include an explicit requirement that PPE properly fit each affected employee.

PPE must fit properly to provide adequate protection to employees. If PPE does not fit properly, it can make the difference between an employee being safely protected, having inadequate protection, or being dangerously exposed.

That’s all for this episode, thank you for being here today. As always, if you have any questions, you can call us at 505-345-3477 or visit us at our website www.builderstrust.com. You can even download our app at the google play or Apple store. Until next time, have a great day and be safe!