The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finalized a revision to the personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for construction.

The final rule explicitly requires the equipment to properly fit any construction worker who needs it, thus improving each worker’s protection from hazardous conditions.

Must Fit Properly to Work

“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 Doug Parker, assistant secretary for occupational safety and health.

“PPE must fit properly to work,” Parker added. “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.”

Addition of Specific Language

The revision to the standard adds specific language requiring that employers provide PPE that properly fits construction industry workers. The change aligns the construction industry standard with the standard already in place for general industry.

Many types of PPE must be sized to fit a worker properly. According to OSHA, improperly sized PPE can be ineffective in protecting workers; create new hazards, 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, OSHA explained, particularly among some women as well as among physically smaller or larger workers.

For more information about PPE in construction, visit www.osha.gov/personal-protective-equipment/construction. To learn more about OSHA, visit www.osha.gov.