The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released a proposal to clarify that personal protective equipment (PPE) must fit construction workers properly.
OSHA announced the notice of proposed rulemaking for the construction industry on July 20, emphasizing that the same is already required in its general industry and maritime industry standards. A perfect fit isn't required, but the gear needs to fit well enough to provide the necessary protection to the worker.
"Improperly fitting PPE may fail to provide any protection to an employee, may present additional hazards, or may discourage employees from using such equipment in the workplace," the proposed rule states.
Historically, manufacturers and suppliers have produced and sold equipment designed to fit average-size men; however, U.S. construction workers possess a wide variety of body sizes and shapes, OSHA noted.
"The failure of standard-sized PPE to protect physically smaller construction workers properly, as well as problems with access to properly fitting PPE, have long been safety and health concerns in the construction industry, especially for some women," OSHA stated in a press release.
For example, sleeves that are too long or safety gloves that don't fit can make it difficult to use tools or control equipment, and pant legs that are too long can cause tripping hazards, OSHA noted in the proposed rule.
Having gloves that are too big is a common problem, and too-large gloves can get...
Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico has denied being a vegan, and recent campaign posts show him ordering egg and cheese tacos in Austin; eating chicken and steak at San Antonio's Fi...