New OSHA PPE Ruling: Ensuring Proper Fit

Guest post by Julie Jelen, senior LMCIT loss control consultant

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has finalized a revision to the personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for construction. Effective January 13, 2025, the final rule mandates that PPE must be properly fitted for any worker in construction who needs it, enhancing protection against hazardous conditions.

This revision adds specific language requiring employers to provide PPE that fits construction workers properly. This change aligns the construction industry standard with the existing standard for the general industry.

Improperly sized PPE can be ineffective, creating new hazards for workers—such as oversized gloves or clothing getting caught in machinery—and can discourage workers from using it due to discomfort or poor fit. This issue has been a long-standing safety concern, especially among women and workers who are physically smaller or larger than average.

What does this mean for your city?

The ruling is unlikely to result in significant changes or additional costs for cities, as many manufacturers already provide various adjustable PPE sizes. It simply holds employers responsible for ensuring that ALL PPE fits workers properly, whether the work falls into the OSHA general industry or construction standards.

If your city needs a sample PPE program or hazard assessment template, reach out to your LMCIT loss control consultant.

Learn more about personal protective equipment in construction.