1926.102(a): Eye and face protection on construction sites
Construction employers must make sure each affected worker uses the right eye or face protection when exposed to flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or harmful light radiation. Where objects can fly, the eye protection must have side protection; clip-on or slide-on side shields are acceptable. Workers with prescription glasses need protection that has the prescription built in or fits over their glasses. Eye and face protection must be marked with the manufacturer and must protect, fit snugly, be durable, and be easy to clean and disinfect.
Key takeaways
- 1926.102(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart E).
- OSHA cited it 6,696 times in the last 3 years, in 6,685 inspections, with $19,170,754 in current penalties.
- 9 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (719), IL (645), GA (570).
- Related part: 1926.102(a)(1) (6,556 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.102(a) ("General") is one requirement inside 1926.102 Eye and face protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart E). It includes 11 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
(a) General. 6,696 citations
(1) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. Open (a)(1) 6,556 citations
(2) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors (e.g. clip-on or slide-on side shields) meeting the pertinent requirements of this section are acceptable. Open (a)(2) 105 citations
(3) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards wears eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design, or wears eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses. Open (a)(3) 31 citations
(4) Eye and face PPE shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer.
(5) Protectors shall meet the following minimum requirements: 4 citations
(i) They shall provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which they are designed. 3 citations
(ii) They shall be reasonably comfortable when worn under the designated conditions.
(iii) They shall fit snugly and shall not unduly interfere with the movements of the wearer. 1 citations
(iv) They shall be durable.
(v) They shall be capable of being disinfected.
(vi) They shall be easily cleanable.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.102.
Injuries linked to this rule
9 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.102(a).
At 11:30 a.m. on February 28, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 and Coworker #1 and Coworker #2 , were applying CTS Cement Rapid Set Mortar Mix on an exposed fieldstone foundation wall to reinforce the deteriorating wall. The crew was working inside a trench…
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 | 506 |
| 2024 | 2,489 |
| 2025 | 2,356 |
| 2026 | 1,345 |
Top states: TX (719), IL (645), GA (570), MD (550), FL (541)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LUIS ALBERTO-REYNA AVILA, AKA LUIS REYNA AVILA | SCRANTON, PA | $165,514 |
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | ROANOKE, VA | $153,742 |
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | LYNCHBURG, VA | $153,742 |
| ADRIAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP LLC | FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ | $152,100 |
| DARAN GENERAL CARPENTRY, LLC | MECHANICSBURG, PA | $99,306 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.102(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Determining the need for hard hat and eye protection on construction sites. (2004-11-17)
- Request for permanent variance from section 1926.102(a)(2) denied. (1988-12-06)
- Standards applicable to Bell Industries "Carb-Cutter" powered tool. (1985-06-05)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.102(a)(1) 6,556 citations
- 1926.102(a)(2) 105 citations
- 1926.102(a)(3) 31 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
Do safety glasses need side shields?
Yes, whenever there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable clip-on or slide-on side shields that meet the standard are acceptable.
Are regular prescription glasses enough?
No. A worker who wears prescription lenses needs eye protection with the prescription built in, or protection that fits over the glasses without moving them out of position.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.102 (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.