WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a notice of proposed rulemaking to clarify the personal protective equipment standard for the construction industry.
The current standard does not state clearly that PPE must fit each affected employee properly, which the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's general industry and maritime standards do. The proposed change would clarify that PPE must fit each employee properly to protect them from occupational hazards.
The failure of standard-sized PPE to protect physically smaller construction workers properly, as well as problems with access to properly fitting
"If personal protective equipment does not fit properly, an employee may be unprotected or dangerously exposed to hazards and face tragic consequences," explained Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. "We look forward to hearing from stakeholders on this important issue as we work together to ensure that construction workers of all genders and sizes are fitted properly with safety gear."
Submit comments and hearing requests online Persons may submit comments and hearing requests online, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal and reference Docket No. OSHA-2019-0003. Read the Federal Register notice for details. Comments and hearing requests must be submitted by Sept. 18, 2023.