Federal OSHA recently finalized a revision to its personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for construction, requiring all equipment to properly fit any employee who needs it. The final rule adds specific language around PPE requirements that will improve protection from hazards. The rule applies to all types of PPE, including but not limited to: hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators, coveralls, vests and harnesses.
Improperly fitting PPE is ineffective in protecting workers, and in some cases, can even create additional hazards. According to CPWR – the Center for Construction Research and Training, 77 percent of surveyed tradeswomen report being unnecessarily exposed to a hazard due to ill-fitting PPE. Unfortunately, for decades, most protective equipment has been designed with the average-sized man in mind. As a result, many workers (especially women) struggle with gear that doesn’t fit them properly or protect them adequately.
“Part of our goal to welcome all kinds of workers to our industry includes making sure we can properly protect each LIUNA member on a jobsite,” said LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer and LHSFNA Labor Trustee Michael F. Sabitoni. “Gender, body shape and age can all affect how PPE fits an individual, and it’s time that regulations reflect this.”
The LHSFNA and other safety and health professionals have long advocated for stronger, more specific protections around PPE. Last year, the Fund partnered with North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) to support the PPE rule revision and provide additional suggestions on how to make the rule even stronger. The rule being finalized represents a significant shift in the right direction, and the Fund fully supports this change.
“Proper PPE is your last line of defense, but only if it fits,” said Travis Parsons, the Fund’s Occupational Safety & Health Director. “Ill-fitting equipment creates hazards of its own – comfort and safety go hand in hand.”
Employers can take the following steps to provide PPE that fits well, adequately protects workers and adheres to the rule:
CPWR – the Center for Construction Research and Training maintains a list of companies focused exclusively on women’s workwear, which can be a helpful resource for employers. For additional information, consider checking out the LHSFNA’s selection of toolbox talks on Tools & PPE.
[Hannah Sabitoni]
