1910.95(k)(3): Hearing Conservation Training Topics
Employers must make sure each employee in the hearing conservation training program is told about the effects of noise on hearing; the purpose of hearing protectors, their pros and cons, how much various types reduce noise, and how to select, fit, use and care for them; and the purpose of audiometric testing and how the test works.
Key takeaways
- 1910.95(k)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 24 inspections, with $23,325 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (13), PA (5), NJ (2).
- Related part: 1910.95(k) Training program (267 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.95(k)(3) is one requirement inside 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart G). It includes 3 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
(3) The employer shall ensure that each employee is informed of the following: 27 citations
(i) The effects of noise on hearing;
(ii) The purpose of hearing protectors, the advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types, and instructions on selection, fitting, use, and care; and 8 citations
(iii) The purpose of audiometric testing, and an explanation of the test procedures. 8 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.95.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: TN (13), PA (5), NJ (2), TX (1), MS (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JINDAL TUBULAR USA LLC | BAY SAINT LOUIS, MS | $12,676 |
| MAJOR METALS COMPANY | MANSFIELD, OH | $9,582 |
| CAVCO INDUSTRIES INC. | FORT WORTH, TX | $1,067 |
| ENDOT INDUSTRIES, INC. | ROCKAWAY, NJ | $0 |
| WALNUT CREEK TIMBER LLC | LIVINGSTON, TN | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.95(k)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.95(k)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.95(k) Training program 267 citations
- 1910.95(k)(1) 204 citations
- 1910.95(k)(2) 36 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What must workers learn about noise?
The effects of noise on hearing.
What must training cover about hearing protectors?
Their purpose, advantages, disadvantages and attenuation of various types, plus instructions on selection, fitting, use and care.
What must workers be told about hearing tests?
The purpose of audiometric testing and an explanation of the test procedures.
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 2026-10-21
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.