Understanding OSHA’s Updated PPE Fit Rule: Identify Gaps with Free PPE Compliance Checklist

On January 13, 2025, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a final rule officially amending 29 CFR 1926.95 clarifying that: “All personal protective equipment must properly fit each affected employee.” Though the requirement itself isn’t new, the clarification underscores OSHA’s focus on ensuring effective protection for all workers—regardless of body type, gender, or size.

This article outlines what the PPE fit rule entails, the latest revisions to OSHA construction standards, why proper fit matters, and what employers must do to remain compliant.

What the Final PPE Fit Rule Says

OSHA’s revised rule amends standards in 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry), 1915 (Maritime), and 1926 (Construction) to emphasize that PPE must “properly fit” the worker. This clarification strengthens the employer’s responsibility to provide PPE that not only meets ANSI/NIOSH standards but also functions as intended by fitting the individual wearer appropriately.

On January 13, 2025, OSHA’s final rule officially amended 29 CFR 1926.95 by clarifying that: “All personal protective equipment must properly fit each affected employee.”

This revision removes ambiguity and reinforces that PPE in the construction sector must not only be provided but must be suitably selected, sized, and adjusted for each worker. It also aligns 1926.95 with language already clarified in 1910 and 1915.

Why Proper PPE Fit Matters

Poorly fitting PPE can fail to provide the level of protection it’s designed for. Ill-fitting equipment may:

  • Compromise safety (e.g., loose respirators may leak contaminants)
  • Cause discomfort, leading workers to avoid or misuse PPE
  • Increase injury risk, especially in high-hazard environments
  • Undermine compliance with other OSHA standards
Female carpenter putting PPE on; adjusting gloves

Improper fit disproportionately affects women and smaller-framed individuals, who may struggle to find appropriate sizes in equipment that was historically designed for a generic male body type. The updated rule is a move toward equity in safety, ensuring that all workers receive effective protection.

Types of PPE Affected

The rule applies to all types of required PPE, including but not limited to:

  • Respirators (tight-fitting or loose-fitting)
  • Fall protection harnesses
  • Safety goggles and face shields
  • Gloves
  • Hard hats
  • High-visibility garments
  • Protective clothing (chemical suits, flame-resistant garments, etc.)
  • Hearing protection

Employer Responsibilities

To comply with the clarified rule, employers should:

  1. Conduct a PPE Hazard Assessment: Identify hazards and determine appropriate PPE based on job tasks and exposures.
  2. Evaluate Fit for Each Worker: PPE should be fitted to each employee, accounting for individual size, shape, and needs. Offer multiple sizes and styles when necessary.
  3. Train Employees: Ensure workers understand how PPE should fit and function, and how to inspect for proper fit.
  4. Involve Workers in Selection: Include affected employees in trials or demonstrations of PPE to ensure practicality and comfort.

Reassess Fit Over Time: Periodically reevaluate PPE fit, especially if an employee’s body size changes, new products become available, or tasks change.

Enforcement and Citations

While OSHA has long cited employers under the General Duty Clause or specific PPE standards when ill-fitting equipment was identified during inspections or incident investigations, the clarified rule strengthens OSHA’s legal basis to enforce fit-related violations directly. Employers can now expect increased scrutiny during inspections regarding PPE selection and fit processes.

OSHA’s PPE fit rules are not a new requirement, but it is a critical clarification that strengthens protections for workers who have historically been underserved by one-size-fits-all safety programs.

OSHA’s PPE fit rules are not a new requirement, but it is a critical clarification that strengthens protections for workers who have historically been underserved by one-size-fits-all safety programs. It emphasizes that “provided” is not enough—PPE must be effective, and that begins with proper fit.

Where to Get Started with PPE Fit

Employers should treat this rule as an opportunity to revisit their PPE programs and improve safety outcomes by ensuring every worker is properly protected, comfortable and confident. To get you started, download our OSHA PPE Fit Compliance Checklist to identify any gaps you may have.

Whether you need just the initial hazard assessment, employee training, or everything in between, our team is prepared to help you navigate new challenges that may arise as a result of the changing regulations. Contact Cardinal Compliance Consultants for additional support and guidance.



from Cardinal Compliance Consultants https://cardinalhs.net/blog/osha-ppe-fit-rule-ppe-compliance-checklist/
via Cardinal Compliance Consultants

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