1926.102(a)(2): Eye Protection With Side Protection
Employers must make sure each affected worker uses eye protection with side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors, such as clip-on or slide-on side shields that meet the section's requirements, are acceptable.
Key takeaways
- 1926.102(a)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart E).
- OSHA cited it 105 times in the last 3 years, in 105 inspections, with $173,790 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (20), VA (20), NC (17).
- Related part: 1926.102(a) General (6,696 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.102(a)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.102 Eye and face protection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart E). 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
(2) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors (e.g. clip-on or slide-on side shields) meeting the pertinent requirements of this section are acceptable. 105 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.102.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 23 |
Top states: MI (20), VA (20), NC (17), FL (14), PA (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| EM FRAMING LLC | CHESAPEAKE, VA | $8,260 |
| TRIADE MULTISERVICES INC | ROCKLEDGE, FL | $6,809 |
| ORCHIDS BUILDERS, LLC | ROCKLEDGE, FL | $6,809 |
| 68536 - FRIDA ROOFING LLC | DANVILLE, KY | $6,100 |
| ANTONIO VALERIO DE LUNA | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | $4,965 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.102(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.102(a) General 6,696 citations
- 1926.102(a)(1) 6,556 citations
- 1926.102(a)(3) 31 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
When is side protection required?
When there is a hazard from flying objects.
Are clip-on side shields acceptable?
Yes, detachable side protectors that meet the pertinent requirements of the section are acceptable.
Who must make sure it is used?
The employer must ensure each affected employee uses it.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.102 (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 2026-10-20
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.