Can properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) transform safety for construction workers? While only time will tell, that’s certainly the goal behind OSHA’s PPE rule update for the industry.
In a recent move, OSHA has updated its PPE standards, for the construction industry, specifically.
This revision aims to address long-standing issues related to ill-fitting PPE, a major concern affecting the safety and health of numerous workers, especially those of either large or small stature in size.
Properly fitting PPE enhances worker safety by reducing the risk of injuries, increasing comfort and compliance, and ultimately improving productivity and morale on job sites.
As the construction industry grapples with the challenges of ensuring worker safety, these updated regulations represent a crucial step toward fostering a culture of protection and accountability, paving the way for safer job sites and healthier workers.
Let’s take a look at the reasons for the change, some of the specifics, and what it means for you and your team.
Related Article: Why OSHA Seeks to Update Its PPE Standard.
Related Article: Counterfeit PPE and the Illusion of Safety.
The Importance of Properly Fitting PPE
As you know, personal protective equipment is crucial in minimizing hazards in the construction environment. Things like helmets, gloves, and protective clothing are meant to shield workers from potential injuries.
But, when PPE doesn’t fit properly, it can actually lead to increased risks. Ill-fitting equipment can be uncomfortable, offer little-to-no protection, and in some cases (like loose-fitting clothing) even make situations more dangerous. As such, workers may be discouraged from wearing ill-fitting equipment, resulting in a higher likelihood of accidents and injuries.
OSHA Assistant Secretary Doug Parker emphasized the necessity of well-fitting PPE, stating that he has heard from workers, particularly women, who struggle with the availability of appropriately sized equipment.
“I’ve talked to workers in construction, particularly women, who have spoken of personal protective equipment that didn’t fit or was simply unavailable at the jobsite in their size,” he said.
The updated rule underscores that PPE must not only be available, but also suitable for each individual worker. This change reflects a broader commitment to worker safety and acknowledges the diverse needs of the workforce.
Key Changes in the Updated PPE Rule
The revised standard now aligns the construction industry with the requirements already established for general industry, becoming effective January 13, 2025.
Although OSHA has long required employers to provide PPE for workers, the revised rule now specifically requires PPE to fit properly. Key highlights of the updated rule include:
Mandatory Fit Testing: Employers are now required to ensure that all PPE provided fits workers correctly, including clothing.
Increased Accountability: The updated rules place a responsibility on employers to provide proper PPE tailored to individual worker needs.
Enhanced Worker Safety: By improving access to suitable equipment, OSHA aims to foster safer job sites across the construction sector.
These changes are expected to significantly reduce the risks associated with ill-fitting PPE, while promoting a culture of safety within the industry.
– Read OSHA’s Final Rule on Personal Protective Equipment in Construction.
– See OSHA’s Publication on Personal Protective Equipment for the Construction Industry.
Implications of the PPE Update for Employers
If you’re operating within the construction industry, then you’ll need to start taking some proactive measures to comply with the updated PPE regulations.
This includes conducting assessments of your current PPE inventory to identify gaps in size availability and fit, implementing training programs on the importance of proper PPE usage and fit, and actively engaging with employees about their PPE needs.
By prioritizing these actions, you meet not only regulatory requirements, but also show that your company cares about the health and safety of your employees.
Challenges Ahead
While the updated rule should help improve worker safety, challenges remain. Ensuring a consistent supply of properly fitting PPE isn’t always easy, especially for smaller companies or those operating in remote areas.
Additionally, there may be resistance from some employers who view these changes as an added burden rather than an opportunity for improvement.
However, regardless of your situation or viewpoint, you’ll need to comply with the rule nonetheless.
Complying With OSHA’s PPE Rule Update
With the PPE rule update taking effect so soon, you’ll want to ensure all of your team members are properly equipped sooner, rather than later.
Along with properly-fitting clothing, eyewear, and the like, you’ll also need to ensure that each team member is equipped with a fit-tested respirator, if needed.
These fit-testings are required annually by OSHA, and verifies that an employee’s facepiece respirator works effectively.
Respirators need to fit tightly in order to work, and an employee’s respirator size or fit may change year to year.
There are two types of required testing:
- The Qualitative Fit Test – This test measures effectiveness based on an employee’s sense of taste and smell, rather than a numeric measure. Employees must react to a test agent substance that has a distinct taste or smell while wearing their respirator. This helps detect leakage into the respirator facepiece.
- The Quantitative Fit Test – Instead of relying on senses, this test uses a machine to measure the amount of leakage into a facepiece.
While this might seem like a hassle at first glance, that isn’t necessarily the case. Worksite Medical can help keep your team productive and your business OSHA-compliant by bringing everything you need right to your workplace.
You won’t need to send your workers away from the site, minimize disruptions to your operations, and keep your bottom line intact.
Key Takeaways
The recent updates to OSHA’s PPE standards for construction workers mark yet another milestone for safety within the industry.
By specifying that all PPE must fit properly, OSHA seeks to reduce risks associated with ill-fitting equipment and promote a safer environment.
All workers, regardless of gender, body size, or shape, have the right to a safe workplace. And, this recent PPE update brings us all one step closer towards that goal.
Stay in Compliance with Worksite Medical
In most cases, OSHA requires medical surveillance testing, and at no cost to employees.
Worksite Medical makes that program easier with mobile medical testing.
We conduct silica exam physicals, on-site respirator fit tests (including N95 masks), audiometric exams, as well as pulmonary function tests and heavy metal lab work, and much more, right on your job site. We also keep accurate, easy-to-access medical records for your convenience. You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
With Worksite Medical, a mobile medical testing unit — we can bring all the resources of a lab to you. Our certified lab technicians can perform both qualitative and quantitative respirator tests to ensure a perfect fit.
Protect your team and your workplace now with Worksite Medical. Not sure what you need? Try our medical testing wizard here.
Give us a call at 1-844-622-8633, or complete the form below to schedule an on-site visit or to get your free quote.
Convenient, Compliant Occupational Medicine. Worksite Medical – Let Us Come to You!
