1926.101: Hearing Protection in Construction
Wherever it is not feasible to reduce noise levels or exposure time to those in Table D-2 of 1926.52, employers must provide ear protective devices and they must be used. Devices inserted in the ear must be fitted or determined individually by competent persons, and plain cotton is not acceptable.
Key takeaways
- 1926.101 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart E).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.101, "Hearing protection", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart E). It has 3 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1926.101 (3 paragraphs)
(a) Wherever it is not feasible to reduce the noise levels or duration of exposures to those specified in Table D-2, Permissible Noise Exposures, in § 1926.52, ear protective devices shall be provided and used. 2 citations
(b) Ear protective devices inserted in the ear shall be fitted or determined individually by competent persons.
(c) Plain cotton is not an acceptable protective device.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.101, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- The use of noise-canceling headphones in place of intra-aural earplugs (2023-03-06)
- Use of Music Headphones on Construction Sites (2019-09-06)
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 hearing protection required?
Wherever it is not feasible to reduce the noise levels or duration of exposures to those specified in Table D-2 in 1926.52.
Who fits earplugs?
Ear protective devices inserted in the ear shall be fitted or determined individually by competent persons.
Can cotton be used in the ears?
No. Plain cotton is not an acceptable protective device.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.101 (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 2026-10-19
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.