ARTBA, Allies Voice Concern With OSHA’s PPE Fit Rule

What happened: ARTBA and industry allies Sept. 18 urged the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to clarify the meaning of properly fit and additional hazards in the agency’s rule making on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Construction. The group also asked for more specificity to better understand their compliance obligations.

Why it matters: OSHA’s proposed rule requires employers to provide PPE that is given to comfort and fit. ARTBA is concerned with the rule’s vague language, noting nothing in the proposal demonstrates how investigators will evaluate PPE for compliance. The proposal is unclear whether proper fit will be checked by investigators during inspections or site visits, and what factors will be considered when determining compliance.

What’s next: OSHA will review comments submitted by industry stakeholders. Members interested in following developments on this proposed regulation may contact ARTBA’s Brad Sant or Prianka Sharma.