Lion's office will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
Search

There's No Such Thing as "OSHA Approved" Headphones

Posted on 1/21/2020 by Roger Marks

In an interpretation letter dated September 6, 2019, OSHA answers an employer’s question about the use of headphones in the workplace.

The employer requested clarification about whether headphones equipped with a built-in volume limiter are allowed on a construction site.

In the interpretation, OSHA gives some common-sense advice about the use of headphones in the workplace. While there is no specific OSHA standard that prohibits headphones on a job site, workers listening to music can create a safety hazard. If the employee’s music masks sounds like alarms, moving equipment, machinery, traffic, danger signals, or verbal warnings, the results could be tragic.

In addition, OSHA clarifies that “a portable music player is not a substitute for hearing protection…”

Are My Headphones OSHA Approved?

With respect to the “OSHA approved” or “100% OSHA compliant” claims found on some products, OSHA makes it abundantly clear that
 
the Agency “does not register, certify, approve, or otherwise endorse commercial or private sector entities, products, or services. Therefore, any such claims by a manufacturer are misleading.”


While this specific interpretation was a response to a question about OSHA’s noise exposure rules for construction sites (29 CFR 1926.52), OSHA also enforces hearing protection requirements for general industry workplaces. OSHA requires annual training for employees exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time-weighted-average (TWA) of 85 decibels (see 29 CFR 1910.95).  

Long term exposure to loud or high-pitched noise can cause irreversible damage to employees’ hearing. In environments where employees are exposed to noise above permissible limits, employers should implement a proper hearing protection program that includes employee monitoring and notifications, audiometric testing, hearing protection, training, and recordkeeping.

For more information about who needs a hearing protection program, see Question of the Week: Hearing Conservation.

Earlier this month, OSHA increased civil penalties for violations of workplace safety standards. 

OSHA Safety Training

Check out Lion.com/OSHA to find safety training to inform and protect your workforce. From 10-hour training for general industry workers to HazComHAZWOPER, and more, Lion offers courses that are informative and easy-to-use. 

The latest new courses include:
 

Tags: headphones, hearing conservation, hearing protection, osha, workplace safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Knowing why TSDFs reject loads of hazardous waste—and the exact steps to follow if it happens—can reduce your anxiety and uncertainty about rejection.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.