Washington — The “failure” of standard-sized private protecting tools to fit smaller construction workers – particularly girls – has prompted OSHA to strive to align the business’s PPE fit requirements with different requirements.
According to a proposed rule set to be revealed within the Federal Register, OSHA’s construction requirements – not like its common business and maritime PPE requirements – don’t require PPE to fit the wearer. This, in addition to “problems with access to properly fitting PPE, have long been safety and health concerns in the construction industry,” the company says in a July 19 press launch. “The proposed rule clarifies the prevailing requirement, and OSHA doesn’t anticipate the change will improve employers’ prices or compliance burdens.
“PPE must fit properly to provide adequate protection to employees. Improperly fitting PPE may fail to provide any protection to an employee, present additional hazards or discourage employees from using such equipment in the workplace.”
The deadline to submit feedback and listening to requests is Sept. 18.
“If personal protective equipment does not fit properly, an employee may be unprotected or dangerously exposed to hazards and face tragic consequences,” OSHA administrator Doug Parker stated within the launch. “We look forward to hearing from stakeholders on this important issue as we work together to ensure that construction workers of all genders and sizes are fitted properly with safety gear.”
