PPE in construction proposed rule released

On July 20, OSHA published its personal protection equipment (PPE) in construction proposed rule. The proposed change would clarify that PPE must fit each employee properly to protect them from occupational hazards and would align the language in OSHA’s PPE standard for construction with its standards for general industry and maritime.

OSHA notes that the failure of standard-sized PPE to protect physically smaller construction workers properly, as well as problems with access to properly fitting PPE, have long been safety and health concerns in the construction industry, especially for some women. Improperly fitting PPE may fail to provide protection to an employee, present additional hazards, or discourage employees from using it in the workplace.

Employers can comment on the proposed rule until September 18 at regulations.gov; search for OSHA-2019-0003.