By Jennifer L. Lippi, JD, SPHR
Construction employers have long been required to provide Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) to their employees when necessary due to workplace hazards. Effective January 2025, OSHA expanded the PPE requirements for construction employers and requires that PPE properly fit employees’ varying body types. This new rule requires employers to ensure that PPE such as hard hats, safety harnesses, gloves, and protective footwear properly fits each worker’s body size and shape. This includes all PPE, whether purchased by the employer or provided by the employee.
Improperly fitting PPE can compromise safety, failing to protect workers effectively and potentially introducing new hazards. This change is part of OSHA’s broader efforts to enhance workplace safety, particularly for women as well as physically smaller or larger workers regardless of gender, where ill-fitting PPE has long been a concern.
Construction industry employers should review their current PPE policies and conduct an audit of their existing PPE inventory. Employers may also consider periodically testing PPE fit for employees and providing gender-specific PPE options.
You can find the updated rule here. If you have questions regarding the new regulation, please reach out to your Silvers HR Consultant.