OSHA has completed a 15-year journey that now makes certain construction workers have the same PPE protections as general industry and maritime workers.
The Personal Protective Equipment in Construction rulemaking effort is now a final rule. The rule’s two requirements are direct and straightforward: Make sure the PPE:
(1) Is of safe design and construction for the work to be performed; and
(2) Is selected to ensure that it properly fits each affected employee.
The nation’s construction workforce deserves this. PPE that does not properly fit may be removed by the worker, excess material could be caught in moving machinery; or work may be slowed down through constant PPE fit adjustments.
ISEA members offer PPE that fits workers
ISEA members offer adjustable, comfortable, safe and effective PPE. Modern PPE is engineered to fit a diverse workforce with options to accommodate various body sizes and shapes.  (See ISEA’s buyers guide to contact your PPE provider about sizing)
When we think about fit, gloves and garments immediately come to mind. ISEA members offer gloves in sizes 5 – 12 (XXS – 3XL), while disposable coveralls are widely available in various sizes.
In addition, items like hard hats, safety eyewear, and fall protection harnesses are adjustable to fit a range of sizes, enhancing versatility.
Fall Protection harnesses are designed for weight ranges of 130–310 lbs., with models tailored for women readily available from distributors. Harnesses are available in XS–3XL. High-Visibility Apparel includes vests and shirts ranging from small to 7XL. In fact, ISEA’s high visibility safety apparel standard, ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, offers a special small size.Â
Even Hearing Protection, such as earplugs and earmuffs, and respiratory protection come in multiple sizes. While fit testing for respirators is mandatory, it’s also possible to fit-test your hearing protection!Â
Recent Conversations
At the 2024 ISEA Annual Meeting this week (Dec. 9-11, 2024), a panel of safety experts took the stage to talk about PPE Fit, especially as it relates to sizing for women in the workforce. On the panel were Dr. John Howard, Director of NIOSH; Chris Trahan Cain, Executive Director of CPWR, and Mindy Uber, Senior EHS Director at Skanska. Along with moderator Elke Hirschman, President of Kishigo, the panel acknowledged that while fit was a challenge the industry has been discussing for decades, they are encouraged by action to address the issue in recent years, including this new regulatory rule. Panelists emphasized the need for better collaboration between stakeholders, integrating worker feedback, and leveraging standards to drive equitable PPE.
Collaboration and Suggestions
To make this rule is as beneficial as possible, ISEA urges OSHA to:
- Partner with industry to address PPE fit issues and conduct research on the sizes and shapes of the people in the nation’s workforce.
- Provide additional guidance and FAQs on PPE fit requirements.
- Facilitate data collection through citations, even if there is no financial penalty, to assess compliance assistance and industry needs regarding PPE fit for all workers.
- Establish a National Emphasis Program to prioritize PPE fit in construction.
- Partner with industry to address PPE fit issues and conduct research on the sizes and shapes of the people in the nation’s workforce.
Next Steps
ISEA encourages OSHA to partner with the safety equipment industry, construction employers, and employees and their representatives to implement the rule and monitor its progress to ensure optimal protection of the nation’s workforce.
