The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a new standard for the construction industry that will require employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) that properly fits employees. A similar provision already applies to employers in general industry. While employers in all industries have long been required to provide required PPE (such as gloves, goggles, safety shoes, and other required gear) at no cost, the new standard makes it clear that PPE for employees in the construction industry must also be of the type that fits each individual. In justifying the new standard, OSHA explained that “[i]n some cases, ill-fitting PPE may not protect an employee at all, and in other cases it may present additional hazards to that employee and to employees who work around them” and pointed to the fact that female workers often receive PPE that is ill-fitting.

Employers in the construction industry are encouraged to review the PPE they provide to employees and ensure that appropriate sizes and types are selected for each employee. The new standard becomes effective 30 days following its publication in the Federal Register. Publication is expected to take place shortly.

To review the standard, click here.