From loud concerts to heavy machinery, exposure to excessive noise can lead to permanent hearing loss. According to OSHA, occupational noise exposure is a significant health hazard, with millions of workers at risk each year. This type of damage is often gradual, making it difficult to detect without proper monitoring.
A simple rule of thumb, as highlighted by OSHA, is that if you have to raise your voice to be heard from an arm's length away, the noise may be too high and should be evaluated.
To address this, OSHA's Occupational Noise Exposure standard (29 CFR 1910.95) sets specific limits and requirements. The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is 90 dBA over an eight-hour day. However, a comprehensive hearing conservation program is required whenever an employee's noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA. This level, known as the Action Level, serves as a trigger for employers to take proactive steps.
A proper hearing conservation program must include several key elements mandated by OSHA to be effective.
The first is monitoring, which involves accurately measuring noise levels to identify employees at or above the Action Level.
Employers must also provide free annual audiometric testing to monitor an employee's hearing over time. The program also requires the provision of hearing protection, and regular training to educate employees on the effects of noise, the purpose of hearing protectors, and how to use them correctly.
Pinnacol Assurance is here to help you protect your employees' hearing and ensure compliance with these complex OSHA standards. Our resources provide guidance on how to assess noise levels using proper monitoring techniques and how to establish a comprehensive hearing conservation program. To request a Safety Service visit or if you simply have a safety-related question, please complete our Contact Us form and one of our Safety Consultants will respond within two business days.
Sample Hearing Conservation Program
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