OSHA hearing protection rules?

Factual Questions
1

There’s one of those mandatory posters at my workplace with the OSHA rules about hearing protection programs- it lays out in great detail what the minimum thresholds are, what kind of testing the employer has to offer, etc. etc. (If you want to read the whole thing check out this link: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9735 )

At the very bottom, there is this exemption:

    1910.95(o)

“Exemptions.” Paragraphs © through (n) of this section shall not apply to employers engaged in oil and gas well drilling and servicing operations.

What’s so special about the oil business?

2

Politics.

Seriously.

While all regulations and laws are alleged to be benign and apply equally to all concerned, those who craft such regulations and laws are not above the political process. Often the art of compromise means a few sacred cows escape the regulations.

Welcome to the SDMB, and reality.