The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently revised standard 29 CFR 1926.95(c) for construction personal protective equipment (PPE). The final rule, which took effect on January 13, 2025, states that PPE must properly fit construction workers.
This ruling puts existing expectations in writing and matches the language used in the OSHA personal protective equipment standards for general industry and shipyards. For more information and to see what this means for employers, continue reading below.
The updated regulation in 29 CFR 1926.95(c) states that personal protective equipment must be, “selected to ensure that it properly fits each affected employee.” Types of PPE covered under this standard includes, but are not limited to:
Bodily protection, such as coveralls, foot protection, full-body suits, harnesses, gloves, safety shoes and vests.
Eye and face protection, such as goggles, safety glasses.
Head protection, such as hard hats, welding helmets and hearing protection devices.
Respiratory protection, such as masks and respirators.
OSHA has stated that "properly fits" indicates appropriately sized PPE that does not create additional health or safety hazards. To comply with these requirements, employers are encouraged to refer to manufacturers’ guidelines to determine how PPE should be fitted properly and find equipment that meets the specific needs of each employee.
Other subsections of 29 CFR 1926.95 state that employers must ensure that PPE is provided, used and maintained in a manner that prevents bodily harm. While OSHA requires that employers pay for most of the required PPE, exceptions exist as outlined in 29 CFR 1926.95(d)(2) through (d)(6). Employers are responsible for ensuring any employee-provided PPE meets the necessary safety standards.
The recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report on fatal and nonfatal workplace injuries and fatalities highlights the importance of proactive safety measures in the construction industry. In 2023, the construction industry was responsible for the highest number of fatalities (1,075), with falls, slips and trips accounting for approximately 39% of deaths. While data linking ill-fitting PPE to injuries and fatalities is not available yet, OSHA estimates proper fit can improve mental health, boost productivity and reduce workplace incidents. This reinforces concerns from safety experts, who note that ill-fitting PPE can do the following:
Provide inadequate protection
Reduce the effectiveness of safety measures
Introduce new hazards, such as tripping or entanglement risks
Discourage employees from using required PPE
To maximize the effectiveness of this new ruling, employers should encourage construction workers to report ill-fitting or damaged PPE. Creating an open and supportive environment where workers feel comfortable voicing safety concerns is especially critical to this initiative.
It may also be necessary to provide training on how properly fitting equipment should look and feel to ensure employees are actively choosing PPE that properly protects them. Remember, properly fitting PPE is not just about compliance—it is about ensuring every worker has the protection they need to perform their job safely and effectively.
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