OSHA Finalizes Personal Protective Equipment Rule for Construction Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has finalized an update to its Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards, aimed at ensuring construction workers are better protected in hazardous environments. Announced on December 11, 2024, this rule mandates that all PPE used in construction must fit properly, regardless of a worker’s gender or body type.

The new standard addresses concerns about how ill-fitting PPE can compromise worker safety, particularly for women and individuals with smaller body frames. Properly fitted PPE enhances protection against common workplace hazards such as falling debris, sharp objects, and exposure to harmful substances. Employers are now required to provide appropriately sized PPE, which is intended to reduce injuries and fatalities on construction sites.