The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a final rule codifying proper fit requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the construction industry. The new rules align the requirements for the construction industry with those for general industry.
The changes are to the regulations at 29 CFR 1926.95(c) and state that employers must ensure all personal protective equipment: (1) is of safe design and construction for the work to be performed; and (2) is selected to ensure that it properly fits each affected employee. The final rule is effective January 13, 2025. State plans (including those in Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington) will have six months to adopt this rulemaking.
Tips: This rule doesn’t change existing guidance but formalizes the employer’s obligation to make sure that employer-provided PPE is available to fit employees of all sizes, including women who may be smaller than “standard-sized” and employees with varying body shapes. Improperly fitting PPE can not only fail to adequately protect workers, but it can introduce additional hazards or discourage use. These requirements apply to many different types of PPE, such as hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, safety glasses, welding helmets and goggles, hearing protection devices, respirators, coveralls, high visibility vests, and fall protection harnesses. Construction industry employers should check to ensure that the PPE they provide is adequately sized to meet the needs of their employees. Contact your Vigilant Safety Professional if you have questions.
