The U.S. Department of Labor has finalized a revision to the personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry. The updated rule explicitly mandates that PPE must properly fit workers, aiming to improve protection from hazardous conditions on construction sites.

"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."

The revision adds specific language requiring that employers provide properly fitting PPE for construction workers. This change brings the construction industry standard in line with the existing standard for general industry.

According to Lumber's She Builds Nation report published early this year, 67% of women surveyed indicated that gender-friendly safety equipment was not available to them. The findings from this survey-based report underscore the widespread nature of PPE accessibility issues facing women in the construction industry.

Improperly sized PPE can lead to inefficiency in protecting workers, create additional hazards (such as oversized clothing or gloves getting caught in machinery), and discourage use due to discomfort. This has been an ongoing concern, especially among women and workers with smaller or larger body types.

From the perspective of construction owners, the finalization of this PPE rule is seen as a positive step toward addressing long-standing safety concerns. Many owners recognize the importance of proper PPE for worker safety, but they also emphasize the challenges of ensuring that workers of all sizes have access to appropriate gear.

Some owners may express concerns over the potential logistical hurdles this rule could present, such as increased costs for providing custom-fit PPE and the additional time required for sourcing and ensuring the right equipment. However, there is also broad acknowledgment that the rule's intention to prevent injury, particularly for physically diverse workers, outweighs these challenges.

"Ensuring that all workers, regardless of size, have access to properly fitted PPE is not just a matter of compliance but of caring for the well-being of our workforce," said a representative from a construction firm. "While there may be some adjustments needed to implement this rule, it's crucial for the safety and comfort of our employees, and ultimately, it helps reduce accidents and downtime."

Owners also stress that the rule aligns with their long-term goals of reducing workplace injuries and fostering a safer, more productive environment. The broad support from unions and employers indicates that many in the construction industry see this as a necessary step toward improved safety standards.