WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor has finalized a new rule requiring employers in the construction industry to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) fits workers properly, aligning the sector with existing general industry standards.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the rule, which explicitly mandates that PPE be sized and fitted to individual workers. Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker said the change addresses a long-standing issue in construction safety.
“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,” Parker said. “PPE must fit properly to work.”
The new requirement applies to various types of PPE, including gloves, helmets, and protective clothing, which can pose risks if poorly fitted. Oversized gloves or ill-fitting clothing, for example, can lead to accidents by getting caught in machinery, while inadequate fit may discourage workers from wearing the equipment altogether.
The issue has been particularly concerning for smaller or larger workers, including many women, who often report difficulties finding appropriately sized equipment. The revision received broad support from both employers and unions, according to Parker.
The update aligns the construction industry’s standards with OSHA’s general industry rules, ensuring consistent worker protections across sectors.
Improperly fitted PPE has been a persistent safety concern in construction, which ranks among the most hazardous industries in the U.S. According to OSHA, the revised rule is designed to reduce risks and improve compliance among employers by clarifying their responsibilities.