OSHA Will Require Construction Employers to Consider Body Type When Providing PPE Starting January 13

Body Type When Providing PPE

A federal safety requirement that goes into effect on Monday requires construction businesses to be prepared. Employers must offer personal protection equipment (PPE) that fits workers according to their body types, according to a significant change to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standards regarding safety and health laws for the construction sector. Beginning on January 13, OSHA will mandate that employers make sure personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard helmets, safety harnesses, gloves, and protective footwear, fits each employee according to their body size and form and is suitable for preventing certain occupational dangers.

Given the growing number of women employed in the construction industry and the unique difficulties associated with personal protective equipment (PPE), this reform, announced on December 11, is especially significant. What are the most important things you should be aware of, and how do you follow the new rule?

Quick Background

For PPE to work well, it must fit properly. Protective gear can only offer the best defense against workplace dangers like falling items, machinery, electrical hazards, respiratory hazards, and exposure to toxic substances when it fits properly.

Due to industrial risks, businesses in the construction industry have long been obligated to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) to their workers as needed. However, the current regulation does not specifically mandate that PPE be tailored to each employee. OSHA’s revised rule, which goes into effect on January 13, broadens the PPE requirements for construction companies and mandates that PPE fit workers’ different body shapes.

Key Considerations for Employers

With the updated rule taking effect in just a few days, construction industry employers should consider taking the following actions:

  1. Assess PPE Fit for Each Worker: Every employee should have their PPE fit evaluated by their employer. PPE that is excessively tight, too loose, or poorly fitted might lessen its effectiveness, increasing the employer’s risk of exposure and damage. The fit of all PPE, including as helmets, gloves, harnesses, vests, boots, and respiratory protection, must be assessed. Employers must make sure that the PPE provided meets the anatomical demands of workers with varied body shapes, including women. This entails providing and guaranteeing that women can wear smaller-sized equipment and that males of all genders can use larger-sized equipment.
  2. Provide Gender-Specific PPE Options: To accommodate both male and female employees, employers should provide a range of personal protective equipment (PPE) options. This involves ensuring that there are appropriately sized options for workers of different body shapes and, when required, providing gender-specific PPE. To address long-standing concerns about the discomfort and safety risks created by ill-fitting gear, safety harnesses, gloves, and boots, for instance, must be available in smaller sizes and altered to fit women and workers with smaller body types.
  3. Inspect PPE for Proper Fit and Functionality: PPE should be routinely inspected by employers to make sure it fits workers correctly and stays in good condition. Equipment that is worn out or broken should be replaced right away to guarantee ongoing protection. Employers are also in charge of making sure PPE is kept up to date and modified as necessary, especially for employees whose bodies may vary in size or shape over time. Notably, you may be required to provide a range of sizes to meet a worker’s changing body size during pregnancy or after giving birth.
  4. Provide Training on PPE Usage and Fit: Workers should receive instruction from their employers on how to wear, adjust, and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE). This involves teaching employees how to modify equipment to meet their specific demands and the significance of a good fit for maximum safety and performance. Employees should be trained to recognize when personal protective equipment (PPE) is no longer fitting correctly and to ask for a replacement or modification if needed.
  5. Document Compliance Efforts and Maintain Records: Employers should keep thorough records of their attempts to comply with PPE regulations. This covers records of PPE evaluations, inspections, training sessions, and any situations in which PPE was swapped out or modified to fit. Employers can show their dedication to upholding a safe workplace and be ready for any OSHA inspections or audits by keeping accurate records.
  6. Ensure Inclusivity and Accessibility: Employers should make sure that all employees have access to PPE accommodations, including those with disabilities, and that these accommodations are inclusive. This involves making certain that all employees, irrespective of their size, gender, or other characteristics, have access to safety gear.