NEW OSHA RULE MANDATES PROPERLY FITTING PPE FOR WOMEN

What Safety Managers Must Do Now

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finalized a pivotal update to its Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards that is poised to transform how safety gear is sourced and provided across the construction, landscaping, and concrete industries. At the core of this change is one clear mandate: PPE must fit properly for every worker, including women and individuals with non-standard body sizes.

This long-overdue rule takes effect in January 2025 and addresses a systemic gap in safety compliance. The rule and corrects a longstanding oversight in how gear has been designed and distributed—especially for women. For decades, women in physically demanding industries like construction have been forced to “make do” with safety gear that wasn’t built for their bodies. The updated standard makes it clear: those days are over.

This article breaks down what the new OSHA rule means for industrial safety managers, jobsite supervisors, and business owners. It also explains why proper fit is more than a comfort issue—it’s a safety issue, and non-compliance could cost you.

Why Properly Fitting PPE Matters

Construction is a physically intensive profession riddled with hazards—from heavy machinery and sharp tools to chemical exposure and extreme weather. PPE is supposed to protect workers from these risks, but ill-fitting gear compromises that protection.

Imagine trimming hedges in a vest that snags on every branch or pouring concrete in boots that cause painful blisters and slips. For women—who make up roughly 10–14% of the workforce in these industries—this has been the norm. That’s because the majority of PPE has historically been designed for male body proportions, leaving women to contend with oversized gloves, baggy vests, loose goggles, and other gear that simply doesn’t work for their frame or movements.

According to OSHA and industry sources like the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), more than four out of five women regularly struggle to find PPE that fits properly. Poor fit isn’t just inconvenient—it creates new hazards, such as tripping, restricted movement, and increased risk of entanglement.

The new OSHA rule puts a stop to this by affirming that improperly fitting PPE is the equivalent of providing no PPE at all.

Key Components of the New OSHA PPE Rule

The updated rule amends 29 CFR 1926, which governs construction safety, but its implications reach across multiple industries, including landscaping and concrete work.

Here are the two major components of the regulation: 1) PPE must be of safe design and construction for the task at hand and 2) PPE must properly fit each affected employee.

This applies to all PPE categories, including:

• Safety toe boots and work shoes
• High-visibility safety vests and outerwear
• Cut- and chemical-resistant gloves
• Hard hats and safety helmets
• Eye and face protection
• Fall protection harnesses and gear
• Cold-weather insulated PPE for snow removal and outdoor work

The new regulation recognizes that “one-size-fits-all” is not a viable approach to PPE—and that fit is a critical component of protection.

What the Rule Means for Employers

Employers in construction, landscaping, and concrete industries now have an expanded obligation to ensure that PPE not only meets safety standards but also fits each individual employee. Here’s how to prepare and comply:

1. Assess PPE Needs and Fit for Each Worker

Begin by evaluating the specific PPE needs for each job function. This should include identifying potential hazards and assessing what type of gear is required for protection. Next, determine whether current PPE fits correctly.

Take detailed measurements (arm, inseam, chest, waist) and note complaints about comfort or usability. Pay special attention to signs of poor fit:

• Gaps or excess fabric in gloves and clothing
• Gear that rides up, slips off, or restricts movement
• Red marks or discomfort that lasts after PPE is removed

Remember: discomfort can be a sign of improper fit, and OSHA acknowledges comfort as an essential component of compliance.

2. Source Female PPE and Extended Sizing

Start working with PPE suppliers, such as RefrigiWear, who offer inclusive sizing. The ISEA Buyers Guide is also a great resource—it includes links to manufacturers that design female PPE, short/tall sizing, and extended options in Big & Tall sizes.

Avoid the outdated “pink it and shrink it” mentality. Women’s PPE must be functionally and ergonomically designed—not just smaller versions of men’s gear. Look for features like:

• Tailored cuts in vests and jackets
• Stretch panels for mobility and range of motion
• Adjustable straps in fall protection harnesses
• Footwear designed for women’s arches and foot shape

Unisex sizing often doesn’t always deliver the right fit. Confirm whether the product is designed specifically for women and use the proper size chart for the specific product when selecting a size.

3. Conduct Field Tests

Ask suppliers for samples or conduct on-site fittings. Let workers try the gear in real job scenarios and solicit feedback. Questions to ask:

• Does the PPE interfere with movement or dexterity?
• Does it stay in place during physical tasks?
• Does the worker feel safe and comfortable?

Field testing not only ensures compliance—it helps build trust and improve morale among your workforce.

4. Update PPE Policies and Training

Make it official. Update your written safety policies, employee handbooks, and training materials to reflect the new requirements. Clearly outline who needs PPE, what type of PPE is required, how to determine proper fit and the process for requesting replacements.

Train supervisors to recognize signs of improper fit and teach employees how to wear, adjust, and maintain their PPE.

Enforcement Outlook: Why Acting Now Matters

Although full enforcement may take up to a year, OSHA has made it clear: ill-fitting PPE is a violation. Inspectors will be looking closely at whether gear fits properly, and businesses that fail to comply could face citations or penalties.

More importantly, failing to provide properly fitting PPE puts workers at risk—and may expose your business to costly injuries, downtime, and potential litigation.

Think of this rule as more than a regulatory update. It’s a call to create a more inclusive, equitable, and safe workplace.

Safety Gear That Fits Everyone Builds a Better Workforce

By sourcing safety workwear for women and accommodating a range of body types, employers are not just checking a compliance box—they’re actively reducing hazards, boosting productivity, and showing respect for every worker.

Whether you’re a safety manager on a construction site, a landscaping company owner, or a foreman overseeing concrete pours, the message is the same: PPE must fit every worker properly—or it doesn’t work at all.

Final Thoughts

The updated OSHA PPE rule represents a long-awaited correction to a major safety oversight in male-dominated industries. For the first time, employers are explicitly required to ensure that female PPE and gear for non-standard sizes are not an afterthought, but a foundational part of jobsite safety.

Taking proactive steps now—evaluating fit, updating policies, working with the right manufacturers—will help you stay ahead of enforcement and build a safer, more inclusive workplace. When safety gear fits, everyone wins.