OSHA standard 1910.95, Occupational Noise Exposure, is designed to protect workers from hearing loss due to excessive noise levels in the workplace. This standard mandates that employers implement a hearing conservation program whenever worker noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels (dBA). This level is known as the action level.

The core requirements of 1910.95 include noise monitoring to accurately assess employee exposure levels, audiometric testing to establish a baseline and monitor changes in workers' hearing, and providing hearing protection for all employees exposed at or above the action level. Employers must also ensure that employees wear hearing protection when exposures exceed 90 dBA TWA. Furthermore, the standard requires training for all exposed employees on the effects of noise, the purpose and use of hearing protectors, and the purpose of audiometric testing. Recordkeeping of noise exposure measurements and audiometric tests is also a critical component.

Common violations of 1910.95 often include failure to implement a complete hearing conservation program, such as not conducting initial or annual audiograms, not providing suitable hearing protection, or failing to train employees adequately. Other violations include not performing noise monitoring or not making the results available to employees. The average penalty for violations of this standard is $367, but a single severe violation can reach up to $87,500, highlighting the importance of compliance.

To comply with 1910.95, employers should first conduct a noise survey to identify areas and jobs where noise levels may exceed the action level. If exposures are at or above 85 dBA, a comprehensive hearing conservation program must be established. This includes providing various types of hearing protection (e.g., earplugs, earmuffs) with adequate noise reduction ratings (NRRs), ensuring their proper use, and offering annual audiometric testing. Training must be ongoing and cover all aspects of the program. Prioritizing engineering controls (e.g., enclosing noisy machinery) and administrative controls (e.g., rotating employees) to reduce noise at the source should always be considered before relying solely on personal protective equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'action level' for noise exposure under OSHA 1910.95?

The 'action level' for occupational noise exposure is an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels (dBA). When worker exposures equal or exceed this level, employers must implement a hearing conservation program.

What are the main components of a hearing conservation program?

A comprehensive hearing conservation program includes noise monitoring to assess exposure, audiometric testing to track hearing changes, providing hearing protection, training employees on noise hazards and protection, and maintaining records of noise measurements and audiograms.

Do employees have to wear hearing protection if noise levels are above 85 dBA but below 90 dBA?

Yes, if noise exposures are at or above an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA (the action level), employers must make hearing protection available to all exposed employees. Employees are required to wear hearing protection when exposures exceed 90 dBA TWA, or if they have experienced a standard threshold shift (STS).

#	Facility	Location	Total Penalties	Citations
1	SOUTHERN SCRAP MATERIALS COMPANY, INC.	BATON ROUGE, LA	$2,026,700.00	72
2	BUDD COMPANY	PHILADELPHIA, PA	$1,502,500.00	981
3	SOUTHWARK METAL MFG. CO.	PHILADELPHIA, PA	$1,001,800.00	146
4	TUBE PRODUCTS, INC.	TROY, OH	$812,250.00	45
5	WHITESELL CORPORATION	TUSCUMBIA, AL	$805,500.00	23
6	NORTHEASTERN WISCONSIN WOOD PRODUCTS	POUND, WI	$680,680.00	123
7	ALUMINUM SHAPES, LLC.	DELAIR, NJ	$674,161.68	176
8	MONFORT, INC.	GRAND ISLAND, NE	$585,130.50	247
9	MIDWEST CANVAS CORPORATION	CHICAGO, IL	$562,675.00	117
10	NOBLESVILLE CASTING, INC.	NOBLESVILLE, IN	$547,745.00	133
11	TYSON MEATS, INC.	DAKOTA CITY, NE	$532,030.00	21
12	ADAMS THERMAL SYSTEMS, INC.	CANTON, SD	$461,040.00	75
13	DEHLER MANUFACTURING CO., INC.	CHICAGO, IL	$399,025.00	169
14	VORTEQ COIL FINISHERS, LLC	VALENCIA, PA	$367,606.00	14
15	DCS SANITATION MANAGEMENT, INC.	MADISON, NE	$354,342.50	17
16	PARKER HANNIFIN CORPORATION	BATESVILLE, MS	$339,630.00	38
17	DYNAMIC TOOL CO., INC.	EL PASO, TX	$333,100.00	62
18	HAMMERMILL PAPER, RIVERDALE PLANT	SELMA, AL	$318,560.00	116
19	EAST ALABAMA LUMBER COMPANY, INC.	LAFAYETTE, AL	$315,475.00	20
20	HANSON PIPE & PRODUCTS, INC.	GRAND PRAIRIE, TX	$310,500.00	10
21	PEPPERIDGE FARM	DOWNINGTOWN, PA	$309,603.00	18
22	A.O. SMITH AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS COMPANY	GRANITE CITY, IL	$295,000.00	15
23	VENTURE METALS, LLC	DALLAS, TX	$294,507.00	41
24	STEEL FABRICATION SERVICES, INC.	FARMERS BRANCH, TX	$290,760.00	32
25	PANDROL USA, LP	BRIDGEPORT, NJ	$285,125.00	35

📋 What Is 29 CFR 1910.95?

29 CFR 1910.95 (Occupational Noise Exposure) is an OSHA regulatory standard under Part 1910 (Occupational Safety and Health Standards). Requires hearing conservation programs when noise levels exceed 85 decibels over 8 hours. Violations of this standard can result in penalties ranging from advisory notices to citations exceeding $150,000 for willful violations. Across the SVEP enforcement database, 37,163 facilities have been cited under this standard, accumulating $27.5M in total penalties.

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