Department of Labor finalizes rule on proper fit requirements for personal protective equipment in construction.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration has finalized a revision to the personal protective equipment standard for construction. The final rule explicitly requires the equipment to properly fit any construction worker who needs it, improving protections from hazardous conditions. The Final Rule is effective January 13, 2025.

Right Fit, Right Protection

"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."

Imagine an athlete stepping into a game without the right gear — risky right? Helmets, pads and the proper shoes aren’t just accessories, they’re essential to keep them safe. The workplace is no different. 

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is designed to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. But PPE isn’t one-size-fits-all and cannot do its job if it doesn’t fit properly. 

One of the challenges workers face in finding proper personal equipment is that it often isn’t designed with diverse body types in mind – leaving underrepresented groups like women in construction, smaller workers or those with disabilities at an increased risk. A study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported that 41% of women reported their PPE fit poorly, highlighting a systemic issue that impacts workers beyond gender.