The final rule for OSHA's personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements in construction was approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on December 6th. OSHA published the Rule in the Federal Register on December 12, 2024, with an effective date of January 13, 2025. This effective date set by OSHA refers to when the final Rule officially goes into effect and becomes enforceable. After this date, employers must comply with the amendment.

This final rule amends 1926.95, Criteria for personal protective equipment, to make explicit the existing requirement that employers in the construction industry must ensure PPE worn by employees properly fits. OSHA revised 1926.95(c) to state that employers must ensure all personal protective equipment is:

1. Safely designed and constructed for the work to be performed, and

2. Selected to ensure that it properly fits each affected employee.

PPE must fit correctly to ensure it provides adequate protection for employees. Improperly fitting PPE can mean the difference between effective protection, insufficient protection, or exposing the employee to danger. In some instances, poorly fitting PPE may offer no protection at all, while in other cases, it could create additional risks for both the wearer and those working nearby. 

During the National Safety Council (NSC) conference in Orlando on September 17, 2024, the director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs revealed the Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Safety Violations for fiscal year (FY) 2024. While fall protection for construction maintained its position as the most violated standard, the 9th most frequently cited violation was Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102).

OSHA’s proposed heat illness prevention rule, published in the Federal Register on August 30, 2024, applies to employers in general industry, construction, agriculture, and maritime sectors, addressing heat hazards in both indoor and outdoor work environments.

The rule mandates employers to develop an injury and illness prevention plan for heat risks, establish protective measures for new or returning workers, provide training on heat illness prevention, and implement procedures to respond to heat-related symptoms and emergencies. Stakeholders have until December 30, 2024, to submit comments on the proposal.

PPE options to help employers manage heat stress, include cooling vests, cooling towels, cooling bandanas, portable ice packs, and portable water packs.

OSHA’s Emergency Response proposed rule would create a new safety and health standard to replace its existing Fire Brigades Standard. It would provide updated health and safety protections, such as PPE, for firefighters, emergency medical service providers, and technical search and rescuers.

Virtual, informal public hearings occurred from November 12, 2024, through December 4, 2024. OSHA discussed the need for the Rule and proposed changes to its Standard. Recordings of the hearings can be viewed at OSHA’s website.

Employers with electrical workers often turn to NFPA 70E for guidance on protecting against arc flash and shock hazards. The 2024 update provides additional guidance on arc flash assessments and expanded category ratings.

While OSHA doesn’t directly enforce NFPA 70E, it can use the standard to support citations related to personal protective equipment, such as using the Flash Hazard Boundary to assess PPE compliance under 1910.335.

You should review your 2024 liability policies to see if they require adherence to NFPA 70E-2024. A significant update in this edition is the new definition of “protector” as a glove or mitten worn over rubber-insulating gloves to prevent damage to the rubber. However, leather protectors do not offer electrical shock protection. The next revision cycle will occur in 2027, so no major changes are expected immediately.

PPE standards, regulations and best practices are constantly evolving, and 2024 was no exception. Rely on J. J. Keller™ SAFEGEAR™ Protect to stay up to date!