1910.133(a)(2): Side Protection for Eye Protection
Employers must make sure each affected employee uses eye protection with side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors such as clip-on or slide-on side shields that meet this section are acceptable.
Key takeaways
- 1910.133(a)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 25 times in the last 3 years, in 25 inspections, with $59,389 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OH (3), NY (3), TX (2).
- Related part: 1910.133(a) General requirements (1,359 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.133(a)(2) is one requirement inside 1910.133 Eye and face protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). 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
(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. 25 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.133.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: OH (3), NY (3), TX (2), VT (2), PA (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TREES LLC | NEW WINDSOR, NY | $11,823 |
| 68621 - KENTUCKY PLASTIC RECYCLING LLC | PARK, KY | $8,400 |
| LEGACY HOUSING CORPORATION | EATONTON, GA | $6,261 |
| NX AUTOMOTIVE LOGISTICS USA, INC. | EAST LIBERTY, OH | $3,798 |
| PETRO AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INC. | HATTIESBURG, MS | $3,476 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.133(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Detachable vs. permanent side shields for safety glasses; modifications to safety glasses. (2007-01-29)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.133(a) General requirements 1,359 citations
- 1910.133(a)(1) 1,242 citations
- 1910.133(a)(3) 77 citations
- 1910.133(a)(5) 12 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
When is side protection required?
When there is a hazard from flying objects.
Are clip-on side shields acceptable?
Yes, detachable side protectors meeting the section's requirements are acceptable.
Who must make sure it is used?
The employer.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.133 (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.