New Rule Aligns Construction Industry with General Industry Standards
As of December 11, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has finalized an update to the personal protective equipment (PPE) standards for the construction industry. The new rule mandates that PPE must properly fit any construction worker who requires it, enhancing protection against hazardous conditions.
“I’ve heard from construction workers, especially women, who’ve shared their experiences with PPE that didn’t fit or wasn’t available in their size at the jobsite,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “For PPE to be effective, it needs to fit correctly. I’m proud of the support we’ve received from both employers and unions to ensure that employers provide the proper PPE for every worker who needs it.”
The updated rule includes specific language that requires employers to supply PPE that fits construction workers appropriately. This change brings the construction industry’s standards in line with those already established for general industry.
Properly fitted PPE is essential to worker safety. Ill-fitting gear can be ineffective, create new hazards (such as oversized gloves or clothing getting caught in machinery), and discourage use due to discomfort. This issue has been a long-standing concern, particularly for women and workers of smaller or larger physiques.
Learn more about personal protective equipment in construction.