1910.95(i)(2)(i): Hearing Protectors for Workers Required to Wear PPE
Under the noise rule, hearing protectors must be worn by any employee who is required by paragraph (b)(1) of the rule to wear personal protective equipment.
Key takeaways
- 1910.95(i)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 19 times in the last 3 years, in 19 inspections, with $43,304 in current penalties.
- Most citations: WI (3), TX (2), MN (2).
- Related part: 1910.95(i) Hearing protectors (130 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.95(i)(2)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart G). 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
(i) By an employee who is required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section to wear personal protective equipment; and 19 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 | 1 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: WI (3), TX (2), MN (2), TN (2), LA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JONES TILE | KENNER, LA | $14,518 |
| CONESTOGA WOOD SPECIALTIES CORPORATION | EAST EARL, PA | $9,000 |
| CHEESE MERCHANTS OF AMERICA L.L.C. | BARTLETT, IL | $8,066 |
| CORESLAB STRUCTURES, INC | MARSHALL, MO | $5,674 |
| CAREFREE BUILDING CO. INC. | COLCHESTER, CT | $1,986 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.95(i)(2)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- OSHA's rationale for the noise exposure PEL. (1999-07-28)
- Use of Walkman Radio, Tape, or CD Players and Their Effect When Hearing Protection Is In Use (1987-04-14)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.95(i) Hearing protectors 130 citations
- 1910.95(i)(2) 58 citations
- 1910.95(i)(3) 46 citations
- 1910.95(i)(2)(ii) 31 citations
- 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)(A) 18 citations
- 1910.95(i)(4) 11 citations
- 1910.95(i)(5) 10 citations
- 1910.95(i)(1) 5 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
Who must wear hearing protectors under this item?
Any employee required by paragraph (b)(1) of the noise standard to wear personal protective equipment.
Is this the only case requiring hearing protectors?
No. It is one item in a list in the rule.
Which paragraph sets the PPE requirement?
Paragraph (b)(1) of 1910.95.
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.