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OSHA Revises PPE Standard for Construction Industry

OSHA Revises PPE Standard for Construction Industry

On December 11, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a revision to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standard for construction. The final rule, which takes effect on January 13, 2025, explicitly requires that PPE properly fit each worker who needs it. This update aligns with similar PPE standards in general industry and shipyard settings and aims to improve protection against workplace hazards.

The revised rule, under OSHA's 29 CFR 1926.95, mandates that all PPE be safely designed, constructed, and selected to ensure it fits each affected employee. Properly fitting PPE is essential for its effectiveness; ill-fitting equipment can fail to protect workers adequately, reduce its protective capacity, and even introduce new hazards. This change addresses the challenge many workers face, particularly those with unique sizing needs, such as smaller or larger workers, who often struggle to find properly fitting gear.

Employers in the construction industry should review the new requirements and make sure to implement them in their safety programs. This includes providing a range of PPE sizes to accommodate different body types, and ensuring that employees are wearing the correct PPE in the correct size. By doing so, employers will not only meet OSHA’s updated standards but also create a safer and more comfortable working environment for all employees, reducing the risk of injuries and illnesses.

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