Helping to bring A new rule relating to PPE regulations for companies operating in the construction industry was issued by OSHA in December 2024. Focusing on a critical, but often overlooked, aspect of PPE, the new rule stated that all personal protective equipment must fit the worker properly.
Helping to bring construction industry standards for PPE into line with current safety requirements for the maritime and general industry, such as including womens hi vis clothing, the change is aimed at closing a safety gap that has been overlooked for too long.
Let’s take a closer look:
Why is PPE that fits properly so important?
PPE that is ill-fitting has long been of concern within a range of industries, but particularly within the construction industry.
Whether it’s gloves, vests or harnesses that are too big or too small, the risk this poses is significant, and can include a reduction in protection, risk of entanglement in dangerous machinery and equipment, or prolonged discomfort that causes employees to prefer working without it.
OSHA clearly states that PPE must fit properly in order for it to offer full protection to workers, particularly in such environments where hazard protection and visibility are of extreme importance.
Who does this issue have the most impact on?
Impacting women and anyone with a smaller than average, or bigger than average body size, OSHA’s new rule aims to address this issue and these disparities, to ensure that each and every worker can access properly fitting workwear designed to keep them safe while at work.
What are the requirements of the new rule?
The revision to the regulations has shifted the focus of safety in the workplace, to that of tailored PPE for individuals, instead of tailored PPE for certain roles.
Employers must now offer their workers protective equipment in a range of sizes, whether it be helmets or harnesses, to help them fulfil their roles safely and comfortably.
Additionally, employers are encouraged to get feedback from their workers as to how their PPE fits them, and what improvements, if any, could be made.
Overall, the new rule is aimed at keeping workers protected at all times, while also reducing disruptions in the workplace called by accidents, or penalties for non-compliance.
How the new regulation is driving innovation
Thanks to OSHAs updated rule, many companies within a range of industries are starting to incorporate new and advanced materials into their designs, along with features for adjusting items so that they both fit better, and function better.
For example, hi vis womens workwear that is tailored and made with fabrics that are breathable, or gloves that cater for smaller hands with an advanced grip.
The new regulation and employers
OSHAs new rule is encouraging employers to directly engage with their workforces so that they can better understand their needs, instead of merely focusing on compliance. Having a day dedicated to the trying on of PPE, during which workers can sample items and find the right fit, are taking place more often now, making workplaces safer and more comfortable for all employees as a whole.
Although the main focus for companies now is to comply with OSHAs new rule, it is also encouraging employers to make workplaces safer and more inclusive, which goes far beyond properly fitting PPE.
Want to schedule a try-on day with your team? Contact ASI Safety today and we’ll provide a variety of PPE apparel to choose from.