OSHA Strengthens PPE Rule to Ensure Proper Fit for Construction Workers

OSHA has updated its personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for construction workers, requiring that all PPE must properly fit the employees who wear it. Effective January 13, 2025, this revision aligns construction standards with those already in place for general industry and shipyards. The update addresses long-standing safety concerns, particularly among women and workers with non-standard body sizes, who have struggled to find PPE that fits correctly.

Ill-fitting PPE can reduce effectiveness, introduce new hazards, and discourage workers from using it. Issues such as oversized gloves getting caught in machinery or harnesses failing to provide adequate protection have been widely reported. The new rule clarifies employer obligations, ensuring that PPE—ranging from gloves and goggles to harnesses and safety vests—meets the size and safety needs of all construction workers.

Industry response has been largely supportive, with both employers and unions recognizing the benefits of a clear, enforceable PPE fit requirement. OSHA expects this change to improve workplace safety while preventing injuries and fatalities related to poor PPE fit.