The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide training to their employees in certain circumstances, according to the OSHA publication "Hearing Conservation." The training is part of a comprehensive program that includes testing, training and protective equipment. The training is considered as important as other portions of the program. OSHA estimates 30 million American workers are exposed to hazardous noise each year.
Who Must be Trained
Any worker exposed to a time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels or more must receive training as part of the OSHA mandated Hearing Conservation Program. The training course must be offered annually.
Type of Training
The training must cover the topics of the effects of hazardous noise on hearing, the types of hearing protection available and the proper way to use those protective devices. The training will also cover the importance of hearing tests. The structure and format of the training is left to the discretion of the business. OSHA only mandates the topics the training will cover.
Hearing Protection
OSHA requires any employee exposed to an eight-hour TWA noise level of more than 90 decibels to wear hearing protection. The employer must furnish a variety of hearing protection devices and training in their proper use. New employees should receive assistance from someone trained in fitting hearing protection.
Audiograms Testing
Employers are required to test all employees' hearing on an annual basis. Any employee showing a hearing loss of 10 decibels standard threshold shift (STS) in either ear is required to be refitted with hearing protection. They should also receive additional training in the proper use of the hearing protection equipment.
Record Keeping
Employers are required to keep all records involving noise measurements for at least two years and any information regarding employee testing and training for the duration of employment for workers. OSHA also requires the employer to maintain records of any employee who is documented to have a marked decrease in overall hearing ability. The employer can seek the assistance of medical professionals to determine if the hearing loss is work- or aging-related.
Tags: Hearing Conservation, hearing protection, hearing protection, devices training, Employers required
