One Size Doesn’t Fit All: New DOL Rule Requires Properly Fitting PPE for all workers

Today’s construction leaders recognize the impact of investing in a culture of safety. But despite the toolbox talks, webinars and hands-on trainings, one thing seems to be lacking: personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly for women who work in the construction industry.

While OSHA requires employers to identify, provide and pay for PPE, there are no specific requirements as to the type of PPE they must provide. Because of this, a recent survey by The Center for Construction Research and Training found that 77% of tradeswomen were exposed to unnecessary hazards due to ill-fitting PPE, and OSHA estimates about 10% of all workers currently wear poorly fitted PPE.

People come in all shapes and sizes …why shouldn’t PPE?

This summer, the Department of Labor proposed a rule to update an existing PPE standard to clarify that PPE must fit each employee properly to protect them from occupational hazards. The rule, slated to go into effect in October, is not expected to increase employer costs or compliance burdens.

“PPE only works well when it’s worn correctly and fits right, and we know compliance often trends down if something is uncomfortably tight or too loose that it becomes a caught-in hazard” said Tony Adolfs. “This update, while certainly beneficial to women in construction, helps improve the effectiveness and safety of all workers of different body types and sizes.”

Additionally, properly fitting PPE helps cut down on jobsite injuries, which may also reduce workers compensation claims to cover medical bills an lost income.