The use of headphones on a construction site may be permitted at the discretion of management, unless such use creates or amplifies hazards other than noise. For example, collision risk is one of the four leading causes of death in construction. It is the employer`s responsibility to ensure that workers are not exposed to hazards in the performance of their duties. Listening to music can pose a safety risk by masking ambient noise that needs to be heard, particularly on active construction sites where attention to moving equipment, heavy machinery, vehicular traffic and safety warning signals may be impaired. The same employer that questioned OSHA about the use of headphones also noted that some headphones come with a built-in volume limiter and are labeled „OSHA approved” for workplace use. Many employers allow the use of headphones and music in a variety of industrial and construction environments, presumably to improve employee morale and retention. Other employers play music in the workplace using speakers and stereos, for example in a warehouse or operating room. Industry safety sources warn that all the benefits of using headphones in the workplace will be overshadowed by the safety risks. Headphones, in particular, can pose a safety risk when operating large machines by harming the operator`s awareness of the environment. However, OSHA has acknowledged that there are no regulations specifically prohibiting the use of headphones. Therefore, the use of headphones by workers on a construction site may be permitted at management`s discretion, unless such use creates or amplifies hazards other than noise.

While there are no specific OSHA regulations prohibiting the use of headphones on construction sites or other workplaces, the agency has established permissible noise limits and requires employers to protect employees whose noise levels exceed those limits. Q: Some headphones have a built-in volume limiter and are marked „OSHA approved” for use in the workplace. Is there specific OSHA regulation that prohibits the use of headphones to listen to music on a construction site? In the latest standard interpretation of federal OSHA, OSHA states that „there are no specific OSHA regulations prohibiting the use of headphones on a construction site.” While the use of headphones on a construction site may be permitted at management`s discretion, such use may cause or amplify hazards other than noise. First, OSHA notes that the extra decibels on headphones pose a threat to employee hearing and can interfere with a hearing protection program. Second, OSHA highlights the risks associated with distraction and the inability to hear devices, alarms or warnings. OSHA warns that „listening to music can pose a safety risk by masking ambient noise that needs to be heard, especially on active construction sites where attention to moving equipment, heavy machinery, vehicular traffic, and safety warning signals may be impaired.” OSHA further states that „hazards are one of the four leading causes of death in construction. On September 6, 2019, OSHA issued an interpretation letter in response to a question from the employer regarding the use of headphones to listen to music on construction sites. The employer said some headphones are advertised as „OSHA approved” and asked if OSHA has a specific rule prohibiting the use of headphones to listen to music on a construction site.

While OSHA doesn`t have regulations prohibiting the use of headphones, the letter outlines several hazards and issues that employers should consider. The agency added that there are no „OSHA compliant” headphones because OSHA „does not register, certify, authorize or approve the commercial or private sector. produce. Therefore, the agency continued, claims that the headphones are approved by OSHA are „misleading.” As you may already know, there is no specific standard that covers or prohibits the use of headphones, but OSHA does have requirements for hearing protection. OSHA 1926.52 includes Table D-2, which specifies when hearing protection is required based on ambient noise levels and exposure time. Even if there are no specific regulations for the use of headphones, employers could still face enforcement action if OSHA finds that they have violated the general duty clause, which requires all employers to guarantee safe workplaces. What do you think? Should noise-cancelling headphones be allowed on the jobsite? Let us know in the comments below. OSHA issued quotes to employers after workplace accidents where employees were using devices (such as forklifts) with headphones and could not hear horns or other audible warnings. OSHA cited employers for not properly training forklift operators or for not using the horn or other safety devices. Other OSHA regulations require employers to provide their employees with audio warning devices, such as: Fire alarms, train and evacuate the workplace. Headphones can seriously hinder timely evacuation and lead to tragedy. In the letter, the agency noted that „there are no specific OSHA regulations prohibiting the use of headphones on a construction site.” Focusing on construction sites makes sense because of the nature of the work and all the moving equipment, but it`s not the only situation where headphones can be an issue.

It`s worth looking for any business to look for situations where listening to headphones or headphones is acceptable, and others where an open-ear policy should apply. A new guide from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) points out that it`s legal, but not universal, for workers to use headphones to listen to music on a construction site, even if the headphones are marketed as „OSHA approved.” OSHA has not issued any regulations specifically governing the use of headphones or similar devices in the workplace. However, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) explicitly recognized in 2011 that „workers of all ages [working with hazardous equipment] are at risk if. Use headphones or headphones to hear electronic devices. In addition, in this regulation, the DOL expressed concern that these devices make it „very difficult” to hear emergency alerts and prevent workers from „being aware of their surroundings” and „maintaining an adequate level of safety awareness.” Whether for air travel, sporting events, or exercising in gyms, the popularity of headphones and headphones has spread rapidly. But are they suitable for the workplace? Inspired by questions from an employer, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) examined the use of headphones by employees at work. An employer who allows construction or manufacturing workers to listen to music through headphones or headphones could be cited under the „general mandatory clause” of the Occupational Health and Safety Act if an employee is injured because he or she did not hear the machinery approaching. The general mandatory clause requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that may result in death or serious injury to workers. For example, when considering the risks of securing vehicles and other equipment, OSHA has required in its guidelines that workers „never wear headphones or headphones” when working near vehicles or equipment. Finally, OSHA addressed the issue of headphones advertised as „OSHA approved” by stating that „OSHA does not register, certify, authorize or otherwise approve commercial or private entities, products or services.” OSHA also noted that there are no regulations specifically prohibiting the use of headphones by employees when working on a construction site. Whether such use is permitted is left to the discretion of the employer; However, the entity must exercise this discretion with caution.

In the construction industry, „struck by” hazards are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities. Listening to music on headphones could mask sounds from moving devices, traffic or audible safety signals, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Thank you for your interest in workplace safety. We hope you find this information useful. OSHA requirements are set by laws, standards, and regulations. Our interpretive letters do not create new or additional requirements, but explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances.