1910.95(k): Hearing Conservation Training
Employers must train each employee exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels, and make sure they take part. Training must be repeated every year, kept up to date with changes in equipment and work, and cover how noise affects hearing, how to choose, fit, use and care for hearing protectors, and what audiometric testing is for.
Key takeaways
- 1910.95(k) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 267 times in the last 3 years, in 259 inspections, with $312,472 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (40), PA (34), OH (22).
- Related part: 1910.95(k)(1) (204 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.95(k) ("Training program") is one requirement inside 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart G). It includes 6 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
(k) Training program. 267 citations
(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. Open (k)(1) 204 citations
(2) The training program shall be repeated annually for each employee included in the hearing conservation program. Information provided in the training program shall be updated to be consistent with changes in protective equipment and work processes. Open (k)(2) 36 citations
(3) The employer shall ensure that each employee is informed of the following: Open (k)(3) 27 citations
(i) The effects of noise on hearing;
(ii) The purpose of hearing protectors, the advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types, and instructions on selection, fitting, use, and care; and 8 citations
(iii) The purpose of audiometric testing, and an explanation of the test procedures. 8 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).
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 | 16 |
| 2024 | 113 |
| 2025 | 84 |
| 2026 | 54 |
Top states: TN (40), PA (34), OH (22), NJ (21), OR (14)
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 |
| EAST BAKING CO | SYRACUSE, NY | $14,188 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.95(k), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- A film can meet training requirements if questions are answered. (1984-02-16)
- Costs of employee training under the noise standard paid by employer. (1984-02-01)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.95(k)(1) 204 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 hearing conservation training?
Each employee exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels.
How often is hearing training required?
The training must be repeated annually for each employee in the hearing conservation program.
What topics must the training cover?
The effects of noise on hearing, the purpose and types of hearing protectors and how to select, fit, use and care for them, and the purpose and procedures of audiometric testing.
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.