Improperly-Sized PPE and Its Impact on Construction Worker Safety: An OSHA Revision to Address a Longstanding Industry Concern
In the construction industry, worker safety is paramount. Over the years, personal protective equipment (PPE) has evolved to provide better protection against various hazards. However, one persistent issue that has often been overlooked is the proper fit of PPE. Improperly sized gear can not only render protective equipment ineffective but can also create new hazards, discourage usage, and contribute to discomfort. This issue has been a longstanding safety concern, particularly for women and workers who may not fit into the “standard” sizes of available PPE.
On December 11, 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finalized a significant revision to the personal protective equipment standard for the construction industry. This revision explicitly mandates that PPE must properly fit any worker who needs it, thereby improving protections for workers facing hazardous conditions on construction sites. The announcement reflects the growing recognition of the need for tailored PPE solutions in a diverse workforce.
The Importance of Properly Fitting PPE
PPE is designed to shield workers from physical harm, such as falling debris, hazardous chemicals, electrical hazards, and machinery-related injuries. It includes items like helmets, gloves, goggles, high-visibility clothing, and protective footwear. For PPE to be effective, it must fit properly—neither too tight nor too loose.
When PPE is improperly sized, it can cause more harm than good. Oversized gloves, for example, can get caught in machinery or tools, increasing the risk of injury. Similarly, loose-fitting clothing can become entangled in moving parts of heavy equipment. In some cases, poorly fitting PPE may even fail to protect workers from the hazards it is intended to mitigate. For example, an ill-fitting helmet might not provide adequate head protection in the event of a fall or collision.
Moreover, improperly fitting PPE can discourage its use. Workers may avoid wearing uncomfortable equipment, such as oversized safety boots or ill-fitting protective vests. This not only jeopardizes the safety of the individual worker but also creates a broader risk for the entire workforce.
The OSHA Revision: What’s Changed?
The recent OSHA revision to the PPE standard for construction aims to address these concerns directly. The key change is the explicit requirement that employers must provide PPE that fits each worker. This new rule brings the construction industry’s PPE standard in line with the general industry standard, which already included similar provisions regarding proper fit.
In its statement, Doug Parker, Assistant Secretary for OSHA, emphasized the importance of this change. He shared stories of workers, particularly women in the construction sector, who had experienced challenges with poorly fitting or unavailable PPE on job sites. These workers, Parker explained, had often been forced to either make do with ill-fitting gear or go without essential protective equipment. The revision seeks to ensure that all construction workers, regardless of their size or gender, have access to properly sized protective equipment that meets their individual needs.
Addressing the Needs of a Diverse Workforce
One of the core drivers behind this revision is the recognition that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work when it comes to PPE. For years, the construction industry has primarily designed and manufactured PPE with the average male body type in mind, which often leaves women, smaller men, and other workers who do not fit into the “standard” mold underserved.
This issue is particularly significant in industries like construction, where women represent a growing but still relatively small percentage of the workforce. Many women in the industry have spoken out about the difficulties they face in finding PPE that fits them properly. Standard issue helmets, gloves, and boots, for example, may be too large or poorly designed for women’s body types, causing discomfort and reducing the likelihood of workers using the equipment consistently.
Similarly, workers who are either smaller or larger than average often struggle to find PPE that fits properly. Oversized or undersized gear can cause distraction, discomfort, and, in some cases, can even present new safety hazards.
OSHA’s revision recognizes these challenges and aims to create a more inclusive and safe working environment for all construction workers, regardless of their body type or gender.
Industry Reactions and Support for the Revision
The revision to the PPE standard has received broad support from both employers and unions within the construction industry. Industry stakeholders recognize that providing properly fitting PPE is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of all workers. Furthermore, it aligns with broader efforts to improve worker protection and promote inclusivity in the construction sector.
Union representatives have also praised the change, highlighting how it will help improve working conditions for women and other underserved groups in the industry. Many unions have long advocated for tailored PPE solutions to address the needs of a more diverse workforce.
The Long-Term Impact on Worker Safety
By explicitly requiring employers to provide properly fitting PPE, OSHA’s revised standard is expected to have a long-term positive impact on construction worker safety. In the immediate term, it will help eliminate some of the hazards caused by poorly fitting equipment. Over time, as workers feel more comfortable using PPE that fits properly, it is likely that the overall rate of PPE compliance will increase, leading to a reduction in workplace injuries and fatalities.
Moreover, as the construction industry continues to embrace diversity, the revised standard will likely play a role in attracting and retaining a more diverse workforce. Women and other marginalized groups in construction will no longer have to struggle with ill-fitting PPE, which can contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive work environment.
What Employers Must Do
Under the new rule, employers in the construction industry must take proactive steps to ensure that all workers have access to properly fitting PPE. This includes:
Assessing Worker Needs: Employers must assess the individual needs of their workforce and ensure that appropriate PPE is available in a variety of sizes to accommodate workers of different body types.
Providing PPE Options: Employers must offer workers a range of PPE sizes, including options for smaller and larger workers, and PPE designed specifically for women where applicable.
Regularly Reviewing PPE Availability: Employers should regularly review the availability of properly fitting PPE and make adjustments as necessary. This includes addressing issues with PPE inventory, particularly when new workers join the workforce.
Training and Education: Employers should provide training to workers on the importance of properly fitting PPE and how to use it correctly. Workers should be educated about how to identify when their PPE no longer fits properly due to changes in size or wear and tear.
Looking Ahead: Improving Worker Health and Safety
The revision of the PPE standard for the construction industry represents a significant step forward in improving worker health and safety. Ensuring that all workers have access to properly fitting protective equipment is not only a matter of comfort and convenience—it is a matter of life and death. By addressing this longstanding concern, OSHA is helping to create safer, more inclusive workplaces that prioritize the well-being of every worker.
The change is also a reminder that safety standards must continuously evolve to meet the needs of a changing workforce. As the construction industry becomes more diverse and inclusive, regulations like the new PPE standard will be critical in supporting the health, safety, and success of workers across the sector.
