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Since July 2023, OSHA has been working on a rule change to clarify personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for construction. Since then, the proposal has gone through the necessary procedures, and OSHA has finalized the revision to the PPE standard for construction work. Released in December 2024 and effective January 13, 2025, the revised standard clarifies the language around PPE fit.

What did OSHA change in the Construction Standard for PPE?

OSHA amended 29 CFR § 1926.95, which is the OSHA standard regarding PPE in construction settings. Specifically, § 1926.95(c) now states that “Employers must ensure that all personal protective equipment: (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.”¹ Prior to the change, § 1926.95(c) did not include the language about proper fit. OSHA has explained that the rule change aligns the construction PPE standard with the PPE standards for general industry and shipyard applications.²

Why did OSHA change the Construction Standard for PPE?

In its December 2024 comments on the rule change, OSHA explained that “the proposed language appropriately clarifies employers’ obligations under the standard.”² It is the view of OSHA that this ruling is not a “substantive” change because it “has historically interpreted § 1926.95 as requiring that PPE properly fit each employee, has published guidance to that effect, and has issued citations to employers in the construction industry who failed to provide properly fitting PPE.”² However, the standard prior to the change did not explicitly state that PPE must properly fit.

OSHA also cites the safety implications of improperly fitting PPE as a reason for being more explicit about requiring a proper fit. The agency explains that “Improperly fitting PPE may fail to provide any protection to an employee, reduce the effectiveness of protection, present additional hazards, or discourage employees from using such equipment in the workplace.”²

In its comments on the new rule, OSHA provided examples, including loose-fitting goggles not protecting a worker from flying debris or the potential for loose-fitting clothing, like gloves, becoming caught in machinery.² OSHA also noted that commenters on the proposed rule frequently mentioned ill-fitting fall protection harnesses, with several reports of workers being provided with harnesses that were too large.² OSHA determined that revising the standard for PPE in construction “to include clear and explicit language that PPE must fit properly would help ensure workers in the construction industry are protected from workplace hazards.”²

Who is impacted by OSHA’s change to the Construction Standard for PPE?

This revision applies to applications subject to OSHA regulations under the construction industry standard. The requirement that PPE fits properly now expressly applies to PPE used in general industry, maritime, and construction applications.

How can employers help ensure they are following OSHA’s change to the Construction Standard for PPE?

OSHA did not adopt a formal definition of the meaning of “properly fits” in the amended regulations.² However, in the notice of proposed rulemaking, OSHA explained that “proper fit” in the construction industry means that the PPE:

“is the appropriate size to provide an employee with the necessary protection from hazards”; and
“does not create additional safety and health hazards arising from being either too small or too large.”²

Some PPE products offer various sizes. It is important to choose appropriately sized protective gear to ensure the best possible protection. One particular area where sizing comes into play is fall protection harnesses.

Considerations for selecting fall protection harnesses.

Certain factors can help improve comfort and adjustability, such as features allowing the worker to loosen or tighten the harness depending on the fit, and contoured padding across the shoulders and back, which can help to prevent or reduce pressure points and chafing. OSHA’s ruling mentions comfort as an important aspect of PPE selection, stating, “improperly fitting PPE can be uncomfortable for the wearer, which in turn can lead workers to modify or disregard the PPE and become vulnerable to a hazard.”²

Weight capacity is also an important consideration; ANSI Z359.11 states that a full-body harness should be able to support users within the capacity range of 130 – 310 lbs.³ A harness may be rated to a larger capacity (e.g., 400 lbs.) for OSHA and CSA standards, but to meet the ANSI standard, capacity must conform to the ANSI limits shown in large type on the label’s first page.

MSA V-SERIES® fall protection harnesses are designed with comfort in mind and are available in a range of sizes from XS to super XL. Their exclusive racing-style buckle allows for a close, comfortable fit, and pull-down adjustments help workers quickly get the right fit. With multiple variations available, including solutions for welding and arc flash, MSA can help find a properly fitting harness to meet worksite needs for many different jobs. Learn more about the range of safety-and-comfort-focused, adjustable fall protection harness options available from MSA.

TRY IT OUT FOR FREE

Experience the standard in fall protection with MSA PPE through the Dare to Compare product trial program. Prior to purchasing, organizations have the opportunity to allow workers to try harnesses on at their worksite, free of charge.

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