OSHA Updates PPE Fit Requirements for Construction Workers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today published a final rule revising its personal protective equipment (PPE) fit requirements for the construction industry. The revised standard will go into effect on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
According to a DOL news release, the revision to the standard adds specific language requiring that employers provide PPE that “properly fits” construction industry workers, and the change aligns the construction industry standard with the standard already in place for general industry.
The news release also states this matter has been a longstanding industry safety concern—particularly among some women and physically smaller or larger workers—as improperly sized PPE can be ineffective in protecting workers, create new hazards for the worker, and discourage use because of discomfort or poor fit.
NAHB joined the Construction Industry Safety Coalition in submitting comments when OSHA first proposed the change in 2023, seeking clarification on how the agency intends to enforce the proposed changes and calling for additional guidance, as well as clearer definitions of such terms as “appropriate size,” “provides necessary protection” and PPE creating “additional safety and health hazards.”
NAHB and OSHA have multiple resources to help employers and employees understand the importance and proper use of PPE, including:
- NAHB Video Toolbox Talks on PPE (also embedded below) and Safety Basics
- The NAHB Jobsite Safety Handbook mobile app, which includes a section on PPE usage
- OSHA webpage on PPE in construction
- OSHA webpage on the hazards and solutions related to PPE usage
Latest from NAHBNow
Sustainability and Green Building
Aug 28, 2026
NGBS: An Alternative Energy Code Compliance Option
As energy efficiency mandates are becoming more difficult and costly to meet, the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is emerging as an attractive alternative. Alternative code compliance options - like NGBS Green - are beneficial to local jurisdictions and builders alike, as they provide compliance flexibility without compromising energy performance, and can streamline permitting processes and timelines.
Membership Recruitment and Retention
Aug 27, 2026
Fall Recruitment Competition Set to Begin Sept. 1
Builder and Associate members will work to recruit as many new members as they can by Nov. 30. Winners can earn prizes including LG laundry products and 2027 International Builders' Show perks.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Aug 28, 2026
Multifamily Absorption Rate Remains Below 50%
The percentage of new apartment units that were absorbed within three months after completion was down five percentage points in the first quarter, according to the Census Bureau’s latest release of the Survey of Market Absorption of New Multifamily Units (SOMA).
Economics
Aug 27, 2026
Small Decline for Single-Family Home Size
New single-family home size had been falling since 2015 in response to declining affordability conditions. An exception occurred in 2021, when new home size increased as interest rates reached historic lows.
Economics
Aug 26, 2026
PCE Inflation Remains Sticky
The latest report shows the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge remains sticky in July, complicating the Fed’s path to its long-term 2% target. Meanwhile, consumer spending remains resilient but is showing signs of slowing, with real consumer spending unchanged in July. Households are pulling back on spending amid persistent inflation.