CFR 128J - Personal Protective Equipment in Construction

OSHA is finalizing revisions to its personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for construction, at 29 CFR 1926.95(c), to explicitly state that PPE must fit properly. This revision will align the language in the PPE standard for construction with the corresponding language in OSHA’s PPE standards for general industry and shipyards and affirm OSHA’s interpretation of its PPE standard for construction as requiring properly fitting PPE. Properly fitting PPE is a critical element of an effective occupational safety and health program. PPE must fit properly to provide appropriate protection to employees from workplace hazards. Improperly fitting PPE may fail to provide any protection to an employee, reduce the effectiveness of protection, present additional hazards, or discourage employees from using such equipment in the workplace.

The N.C. Commissioner of Labor adopted this final rule with an effective date of October 1, 2025. Refer to the 12/12/24 Federal Register (Vol. 89, No. 239) for the details related to these requirements.

Also reference the safety and health topic page for Personal Protective Equipment and OPN 136 regarding state-specific rule 13 NCAC 07F.0202. This OPN provides clarification on citing personal protective equipment (PPE) used in construction under 13 NCAC 7F.0202 instead of 29 CFR 1926.28(a) - Personal protective equipment.