1910.95(c): Hearing Conservation Program
Employers must run a continuing, effective hearing conservation program whenever worker noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour average of 85 decibels (A scale, slow response), or a 50 percent dose. Exposure is figured without counting the protection from earplugs or earmuffs, and this 85-decibel level is called the action level.
Key takeaways
- 1910.95(c) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 551 times in the last 3 years, in 551 inspections, with $2,059,678 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (47), PA (45), TX (42).
- Related part: 1910.95(c)(1) (548 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.95(c) ("Hearing conservation program") is one requirement inside 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart G). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(c) Hearing conservation program. 551 citations
(1) The employer shall administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program, as described in paragraphs (c) through (o) of this section, whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels measured on the A scale (slow response) or, equivalently, a dose of fifty percent. For purposes of the hearing conservation program, employee noise exposures shall be computed in accordance with appendix A and Table G-16a, and without regard to any attenuation provided by the use of personal protective equipment. Open (c)(1) 548 citations
(2) For purposes of paragraphs (c) through (n) of this section, an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or a dose of fifty percent shall also be referred to as the action level.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.95.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.95(c).
At 1:08 p.m. on March 20, 2024, an employee died of silicosis from occupational exposure.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2024 | 233 |
| 2025 | 182 |
| 2026 | 105 |
Top states: MI (47), PA (45), TX (42), IL (36), FL (34)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| EAST BAKING CO | SYRACUSE, NY | $141,876 |
| FLORIM USA, INC. | CLARKSVILLE, TN | $50,000 |
| CIRCA RESORT & CASINO | LAS VEGAS, NV | $23,438 |
| EAST BAKING CO | SYRACUSE, NY | $18,417 |
| ALL GRANITE & MARBLE CORP. | RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ | $16,147 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.95(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Hearing Conservation Program (2018-08-13)
- Minimum exposure for inclusion in the hearing conservation program (HCP); removal criteria. (2004-02-13)
- March 1, 1984 is the deadline for baseline audiograms (1984-02-03)
- Methods of training for microprocessor audiometer technicians. (1983-08-04)
- Positive determination of work-relatedness of standard threshold shift not required. (1983-03-16)
- Revisions of hearing conservation standard under consideration applicable to logging industry. (1982-08-18)
- Hearing conservation standard in relation to poultry processing industry. (1982-06-03)
- Provisions to assure that workers are adequately protected from noise exposure. (1982-01-19)
- Variable day to day exposures cannot be averaged for compliance with action level (1982-01-11)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.95(c)(1) 548 citations
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Frequently asked questions
At what noise level is a hearing conservation program required?
When employee noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels on the A scale (slow response), or a dose of 50 percent.
Do earplugs count when measuring exposure?
No. Exposure is computed without regard to attenuation provided by personal protective equipment.
What is the action level for noise?
An 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or a dose of 50 percent.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.95 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.