On January 13, 2025, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s final rule for personal protective equipment (PPE) will go into effect. This regulation will require employers to be responsible for the sizing of PPE issued in the field.
PPE is essential to prevent illness and injury in the safety world. The goal is to eliminate potential risk before work even begins. But if that isn’t possible, PPE is the last line of defense to help protect workers from injuries and illness caused by workplace hazards. Because OSHA understands the importance of PPE, the sizing is equally important. This final rule puts an increased emphasis on properly fitting equipment.
What is OSHA’s final rule?
There are long standing concerns regarding PPE and how well it fits workers. If it doesn’t fit properly, it could lead to ineffectiveness and probable failure. This final rule affects all industries, including construction, maritime, and shipyards. All equipment, including respirators, gloves, hard hats, goggles, hearing protection, and more, will be expected to fit every employee correctly.
What are the major points of contention for this final rule?
- Proper fit and sizing: Any equipment used to prevent physical, biological, chemical, or any other hazards must fit properly, and this responsibility falls on the employer. This will require companies to ensure that PPE used is sized specifically for each individual employee.
- Employee training: All employees must also be trained in how to wear, maintain, and adjust their PPE correctly.
Why is PPE sizing important?
- PPE becomes less effective or completely ineffective, leading to an increased risk for injury
- Improperly fitting PPE can lead to exposure to a variety of hazards which can affect workers’ short- and long-term health.
- If the equipment is too big or too small, employees will shy away from using it. This could be due to it being uncomfortable, too tight, or too loose.
Properly fitting protective gloves are a very important piece of PPE. Gloves which are too tight or loose can hinder workers’ ability to complete their work safely. This is especially true in the electrical industry, due to the wiring/terminations that take place every day.
What are the key provisions of OSHA’s final rule?
- Correctly sized PPE: OSHA’s expectation is that all employers will promptly address any PPE sizing issues that are flagged by a worker.
- Education and training: This is an important aspect to ensure workers are aware of this new rule and understand how to make sure their PPE fits properly and is maintained. Training is also important for companies to stay compliant.
- Customization: PPE customization may be needed for some employees based off their body shape or other characteristics. If an employee requests or needs changes, employers are required to address these concerns.
- Continuous assessment: PPE will need to be reviewed throughout work to ensure it remains compliant. If there are any changes regarding hazards, or if new PPE is needed, employers must make sure it is aligned with these requirements.
What are the challenges and solutions for employers?
This new rule will be challenging to implement for certain employers, especially ones with large and diverse work environments.
However, to address these concerns, OSHA encourages employers to work side-by-side with safety professionals, manufacturers, and PPE suppliers. They will be able to help the employers find solutions that will make compliance easier.
Employers can also use fit-testing kits, ergonomic assessments, and training programs to help ensure PPE is comfortable and effective.
Conclusion
This final rule is an important step in promoting workplace safety. By making PPE sizing a priority, this ensures workers are properly protected from the hazards that could cause serious illnesses and injuries. By making employers responsible for this, it helps create a workplace culture that is focused on safety and awareness.
This is a positive achievement in guaranteeing PPE is available and effective, so employees can perform their jobs safely.
Kevin Kolhonen, Health and Safety Manager