1910.95(k)(1): Who Gets Hearing Conservation Training
Employers must train each employee exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels. They must set up a training program and make sure employees take part.
Key takeaways
- 1910.95(k)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 204 times in the last 3 years, in 204 inspections, with $235,823 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (25), PA (25), OH (19).
- 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)(1) 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
(1) The employer shall train each employee who is exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels in accordance with the requirements of this section. The employer shall institute a training program and ensure employee participation in the program. 204 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.95.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.95(k)(1).
At 12:30 p.m. on November 21, 2023, an employee was using a forklift to load pallets onto a box truck. The employee attempted to back from the box truck to the dock, but the truck had rolled away, and the forklift fell to the ground.…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 83 |
| 2025 | 70 |
| 2026 | 39 |
Top states: TN (25), PA (25), OH (19), NJ (16), AL (13)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CIRCA RESORT & CASINO | LAS VEGAS, NV | $23,438 |
| PLASTIC USA, LLC. | IRVINGTON, NJ | $20,000 |
| MODWASH LLC | SICKLERVILLE, NJ | $16,550 |
| SCHWEID & SONS | CARLSTADT, NJ | $16,550 |
| LEWISTOWN VALLEY ENTERPRISES, INC. | TAMAQUA, PA | $9,477 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.95(k)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.95(k)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.95(k) Training program 267 citations
- 1910.95(k)(2) 36 citations
- 1910.95(k)(3) 27 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 receive noise training?
Each employee exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels.
Do employees have to attend?
The employer must ensure employee participation in the program.
Does the employer need a formal program?
Yes. The employer shall institute a training program.
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.