1910.95(i)(4): Training on Hearing Protector Use and Care
Employers must provide training in the use and care of all hearing protectors they provide to employees.
Key takeaways
- 1910.95(i)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $6,227 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (2), CA (2), PA (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)(4) 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
(4) The employer shall provide training in the use and care of all hearing protectors provided to employees. 11 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 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: IL (2), CA (2), PA (2), PR (1), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| REGAL WARE, INC. | WEST BEND, WI | $5,427 |
| AKM MFG INC | SAN JUAN, PR | $800 |
| IL DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION - NORTHBROOK YARD | NORTHBROOK, IL | $0 |
| DELAWARE RIVER BASIN STONE LLC | DEPOSIT, NY | $0 |
| IL. DEPT. TRANSPORTATION - EDENS YARD | NORTHFIELD, IL | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.95(i)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
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)(i) 19 citations
- 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)(A) 18 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 provide hearing protector training?
The employer.
What must the training cover?
The use and care of all hearing protectors provided to employees.
Does this apply to every type of protector provided?
Yes. It covers all hearing protectors provided to employees.
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.