Construction Safety Regulations Update
OSHA has issued several regulatory updates affecting construction safety that employers will want to closely monitor.
- By Gina Godeen
- Nov 20, 2025
The construction industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the United States. This is largely due to the inherent risks workers face daily. Construction work requires strict compliance with safety standards to prevent injuries and fatalities.
OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) continuously updates its regulations to respond to emerging risks, align with industry practices, and simplify enforcement.
Since late 2024, OSHA has introduced several proposed and final rules that could significantly impact how construction companies manage compliance with workplace safety.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of recent and upcoming OSHA regulatory changes that affect the construction industry.
PPE Fit Requirements Final Rule
On December 11, 2024, OSHA published a final rule that explicitly requires personal protective equipment (PPE) used in construction to properly fit each affected employee. This update, effective January 13, 2025, revises 29 CFR 1926.95(c).
Previously, the standard only mandated that PPE be of "safe design and construction." The new language ensures that employers must also select PPE that fits the individual worker.
While OSHA notes that this change is not substantively different from existing enforcement practices, it does clarify what the agency has long expected: safety gear must protect the worker by fitting correctly.
Ill-fitting PPE, such as oversized safety harnesses or loose-fitting gloves, can compromise safety and lead to injuries.
By aligning construction standards with similar requirements already in place for general industry and maritime standards, OSHA aims to clarify employer obligations and better protect workers.
Construction employers should review their current PPE policies and procurement processes. This rule serves as a reminder that PPE is only effective when it fits properly.
Heat Injury Proposed Rule
Beyond the final rule on PPE fit, OSHA has several proposed regulations and deregulatory actions in motion. Some are designed to expand protections for workers in hazardous environments, while others aim to simplify or remove standards that OSHA considers outdated or redundant.
One of the most closely watched proposals is OSHA’s Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings rule. Published as a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in August 2024, the rule responds to growing concerns about heat-related illnesses and deaths among workers.
Although several states have implemented their own Heat Injury and Illness Prevention programs, federal OSHA has yet to formally adopt any such rules into the federal regulations.
The proposed rule would require employers in construction and other sectors to establish and maintain a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan. Key provisions include:
- Monitoring temperature and conditions: Employers must evaluate heat hazards when temperatures reach 80°F and implement enhanced protections at 90°F.
- Access to water and rest areas: Workers must have access to drinking water and shaded or cooled rest areas.
- Acclimatization procedures: Employers must help new or returning employees gradually adjust to hot environments.
- Observation and emergency planning: Employers must monitor workers for signs of heat illness and have response procedures in place.
- Training: Both employees and supervisors must receive training on recognizing and preventing heat-related illnesses.
The comment period on the NPRM was extended into early 2025, and OSHA held a public hearing in June and July of 2025. As of fall 2025, post-hearing comments remain open.
While the rule is not yet finalized, construction employers should anticipate eventual requirements and consider implementing elements of a heat safety program proactively. Employers are also encouraged to review any relevant state-plan requirements, if applicable.
Reform Proposals with Potential Construction Impact
In July 2025, OSHA introduced a wide-ranging deregulatory initiative, publishing 26 proposed rules. These proposals are part of an effort to streamline standards, reduce regulatory burdens, and clarify enforcement priorities. Several of these proposed changes directly affect or have implications for construction safety compliance.
Proposed Removal of Illumination Standards
OSHA has proposed to rescind two construction standards related to workplace lighting:
- 29 CFR 1926.26 – General illumination requirements
- 29 CFR 1926.56 – Minimum illumination levels
OSHA justified this proposal by noting that illumination hazards are generally well recognized by employers and employees, and serious risks can still be addressed under the General Duty Clause.
Citations under these standards have been rare, with fewer than 80 citations issued over the last decade. If adopted, the removal of these requirements would not eliminate employers’ responsibility to provide safe working conditions but would reduce redundant or outdated regulatory text.
Proposed Interpretation of the General Duty Clause
Another deregulatory proposal involves clarifying the scope of OSHA’s General Duty Clause. Specifically, OSHA has suggested limiting its application to exclude “inherently risky professional activities.”
For example, certain hazards in specialized construction work may be considered unavoidable, even with appropriate safety measures in place. By narrowing the clause’s interpretation, OSHA could reduce ambiguity in enforcement and provide more certainty for employers about what constitutes a violation.
While this change could reduce liability for employers in some circumstances, worker advocates may raise concerns that it weakens protections.
Construction employers should monitor how OSHA defines "inherently risky" activities and whether this change affects their specific trades or jobsite conditions.
Proposed Amendments to Medical Evaluation Requirements
OSHA has also proposed to amend the Respiratory Protection Standard’s medical evaluation requirements for certain types of respirators. Currently, the standard applies broadly to tight-fitting respirators. The proposed amendment would adjust requirements for filtering facepiece respirators (such as N95s) and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs).
Employers should watch for how the revised rule balances medical evaluation requirements with practical use cases in construction.
The deadline for submitting comments on the above proposed rulemakings is November 1, 2025. For a more detailed list and explanation of these proposed changes, visit the Deregulatory Rulemaking page on OSHA’s website.1
Summary of Construction Regulation Changes
OSHA’s regulatory updates have the potential to significantly impact the safety and health of construction workers. Employers must stay informed. Even proposed rules can signal enforcement trends and shape best practices.
By monitoring OSHA’s rulemaking and preparing for changes, employers can protect their workforce, reduce compliance risks, and strengthen their overall safety culture.
REFERENCES:
- https://tinyurl.com/fkaychfp
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2025 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.