OSHA’s construction PPE rule: equipment must properly fit each worker, and employers pay for most of it

Since January 13, 2025, OSHA’s construction PPE standard, 29 CFR 1926.95, says employers must ensure all personal protective equipment is of safe design and selected to properly fit each affected employee. The same section requires employers to provide most PPE at no cost and to pay for replacements unless the employee lost or intentionally damaged it.

Source facts

OSHA’s final rule on PPE in construction, effective January 13, 2025, revised 29 CFR 1926.95 so that employers must ensure all personal protective equipment is of safe design and construction for the work and is selected to properly fit each affected employee. OSHA’s FAQ says proper fit was already required, that the rule makes it explicit and aligns construction with general industry and shipyards, and that the issue is particularly important for smaller workers, including some women, who may not be able to use standard sizes.

OSHA’s announcement says improperly sized PPE can fail to protect, create new hazards such as oversized gloves or clothing caught in machinery, and discourage use. The FAQ adds that discomfort alone is not a violation but may indicate poor fit, and that consensus standards and manufacturer instructions can help employers judge fit.

Under the same section, PPE must be provided at no cost to employees, with exceptions such as non-specialty safety-toe footwear and prescription safety eyewear that may be worn off the job site and ordinary weather clothing, and employers must pay for replacement PPE unless the employee lost or intentionally damaged it.

Applicability

Use this for construction work. Whether a particular installation job counts as construction or general industry depends on the work, and Michigan employers follow MIOSHA, whose standards must be at least as effective as OSHA’s.

DSE recommendation

DSE recommends stocking PPE in a range of sizes and having each technician confirm fit before a job. Keep smaller and larger gloves, harnesses, vests and coveralls on hand, record each employee’s sizes, replace worn or damaged items at company cost, and treat discomfort complaints as a reason to recheck fit.

Verification

Review the PPE issue log for sizes and replacement dates, and ask technicians during job visits whether their gloves, harnesses and eye protection fit.

Official references

OSHA — Personal Protective Equipment in Construction (final rule, December 12, 2024). OSHA — 29 CFR 1926.95, Criteria for personal protective equipment. OSHA — PPE Requirements in Construction Final Rule: Frequently Asked Questions. OSHA — Department of Labor finalizes rule on proper fit requirements for PPE in construction. Reviewed October 19, 2026.