Washington Proposes Aligning Construction PPE Rule with Federal OSHA
Washington's Division of Occupational Safety and Health proposed changes to construction personal protective equipment rules on October 6, 2026. The main change would require employers to ensure PPE properly fits each affected worker, matching a federal OSHA update effective January 2025. Public hearings are set for November 2026, comments are due November 23, 2026, and adoption is targeted for March 2, 2027.
Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries, through its Division of Occupational Safety and Health, filed the construction PPE proposal on Oct. 6, 2026. It aims to match federal OSHA construction PPE requirements that took effect in January 2025. The key addition would make employers confirm that protective equipment fits each worker.
The proposal also clarifies employer responsibility for supplying certain gear and includes formatting and typo fixes. Two virtual/telephonic hearings are scheduled for Nov. 10 and Nov. 16, 2026; comments close Nov. 23, 2026, with intended adoption March 2, 2027.
Washington construction employers and workers could feel the effects if the rule is adopted. Employers may need to review PPE selection, sizing, and procurement to show proper fit. Workers could gain better comfort and protection when equipment matches their bodies. Because the standard does not define what proper fit means, compliance may remain uncertain, and the public comment process could clarify expectations before the targeted 2027 adoption.