In this final rule, OSHA updates its Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements for the construction industry to state explicitly that PPE must fit workers properly.

OSHA is issuing this final rule to increase clarity of its PPE fit requirement for the construction industry and make the PPE fit requirement for the construction industry substantially similar to general industry and shipyard requirements.

The issue of improperly fitting PPE is particularly important for smaller construction workers, including some women, who may not be able to use standard size PPE.

Yes, OSHA currently requires PPE to fit properly in the construction industry. Proper fit of PPE is incorporated into existing requirements at 29 CFR 1926.95 that PPE be provided by an employer in a reliable condition, that employee-owned PPE be adequate, and that PPE be of safe design. OSHA has also stated in various compliance assistance documents that PPE must fit properly to provide protection from hazards.

This final rule explicitly states the requirement that PPE must fit properly so that the requirement is clearer and more understandable for the industry and to ensure workers of all sizes and body shapes have appropriate PPE.

OSHA will continue to enforce the requirement for properly fitting PPE in construction the same as it has been across industries, relying on enforcement guidance the agency has already created for those industries. In addition to OSHA guidance, consensus standards and manufacturer’s instructions can help employers determine the proper fit of their workers’ PPE to meet the requirement of the rule.

Not necessarily. Some types of PPE may be inherently uncomfortable, and personal discomfort alone does not rise to the level of an OSHA violation. However, PPE that is uncomfortable may be an indication that that item of PPE does not fit the employee properly.

Although this rule clarifies employers’ existing obligations and creates no new requirements for employers, OSHA estimates the clarification may result in some costs for employers not currently providing properly fitting PPE to employees. OSHA estimates potential one-time costs of $5,475,450 and annual recurring costs of $279,065. These costs account for time for employers to familiarize themselves with the revision to the standard and to locate and acquire alternative sizes of PPE.