Starting January 2025, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will require construction industry employers to ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) properly fits workers based on their unique body sizes and shapes. Announced on December 11, this update explicitly mandates that PPE—such as hard hats, gloves, safety harnesses, and protective footwear—is both appropriate for job hazards and fitted for effectiveness. The change is particularly significant as the industry sees a growing number of women in construction, highlighting long-standing challenges with PPE fit for diverse body types.
To meet OSHA’s updated requirements, employers should take proactive steps to ensure PPE properly fits each worker, regardless of body type or gender. Employers should provide equipment designed to suit different anatomical needs, including smaller-sized safety harnesses, gloves, and boots for women or workers with smaller body frames. Regular inspections of PPE are essential to ensure proper fit and condition, as changes in body size—such as during pregnancy—may require offering alternative sizes to maintain comfort and protection.
Training workers on how to wear, adjust, and identify poorly fitting PPE is equally important. Employers should also maintain detailed records of assessments, inspections, training, and compliance efforts to demonstrate readiness for OSHA inspections.
For more information or assistance in keeping your business compliant with the new laws, contact our team at info@mnklawyers.com.
