Updated PPE rule requires properly sized and fitted equipment
When it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE) in the construction industry, close enough is no longer good enough, and OSHA’s updated PPE fit rule (OSHA-2019-0003) makes that clear. Properly sized and fitting PPE isn’t just an issue of comfort but a crucial safety requirement to protect your employees’ safety and now, a compliance mandate.
The new OSHA standards recognize that our workforce is diverse in body types and genders and that PPE must accommodate this reality. One-size-fits-all approaches can put your team’s safety at risk.
As construction managers, you may have seen workers using ill-fitting harnesses or vests, gloves that are too bulky or safety glasses that fog up or slide down sweaty faces. These aren’t just annoyances; they are safety hazards waiting to happen.
The New OSHA PPE Fit Requirements
OSHA’s final rule for Personal Protective Equipment in Construction went into effect and became enforceable on Jan. 13, 2025. OSHA revised 1926.95(c) to state that employers must ensure all personal protective equipment is:
1. Safely designed and constructed for the work performed.
2. Selected to ensure that it properly fits each affected employee.
Violating OSHA’s PPE rules in construction can lead to fines. Serious violations, where lack of protection could cause serious injury or death, can cost employers up to $16,550 per violation. Intentional or repeated violations can result in fines up to $165,514 per violation.
OSHA has stated it will rely on the enforcement guidance that it previously developed for other industries to enforce the PPE fit requirement for construction. Along with that guidance, OSHA has said consensus standards and manufacturers’ instructions can help employers determine the proper fit of their workers’ PPE to meet the requirements of this rule.