DOL Finalizes Construction PPE Requirements
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration finalized a revision to the personal protective equipment standard for construction to improve protection from hazardous conditions.
The final rule now explicitly requires the equipment to properly fit any construction worker who needs it.
The proposed rule was first announced in July 2023 after OSHA said the standard did not state clearly that PPE must fit each affected employee properly. However, OSHA’s general industry and maritime standards did.
The revision to the standard adds specific language requiring that employers provide PPE that properly fits construction industry workers. The change aligns the construction industry standard with the 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.”
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Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration finalized a revision to the personal protective equipment standard for construction to improve protection from hazardous conditions. |
According to OSHA, many types of PPE must be sized to fit a worker properly. Improperly sized PPE can:
- Be ineffective in protecting workers;
- Create new hazards for the worker, such as oversized gloves or protective clothing being caught in machinery; and
- Discourage use because of discomfort or poor fit.
The issue has reportedly been a longstanding industry safety concern, particularly among some women as well as among physically smaller or larger workers.
The existing requirement explains that protective equipment including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, as well as protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary.
Tagged categories: Department of Labor; Government; Health and safety; Labor; OSHA; OSHA; Personal protective equipment; Regulations; Safety; Workers
