News brief: OSHA Finalizes Construction Worker Protection Rule

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced today that it has finalized a rule to ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) in construction is the right fit. The rule will take effect on Jan. 13, 2025.

Improperly sized or poorly fitted PPE increases the risk for accidents, injuries, and fatalities. PPE includes hard hats, welding helmets, gloves, goggles and safety glasses, safety shoes, earplugs, earmuffs and canal caps, respirators, coveralls, vests, harnesses, and full body suits. The construction PPE rule aligns with a standard already in place for general industry.

“I’ve talked to workers in construction, particularly women, who have spoken of personal protective equipment that didn’t fit or was simply unavailable at the jobsite in their size,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “PPE must fit properly to work. I’m proud of the broad support from both employers and unions for OSHA’s efforts to make clear that employers must provide the right PPE for each worker who needs it.”

WorkCare refers employees in all types of industries to qualified providers for medical monitoring and fittings for respirators, hearing protection, and other types of safety equipment.