OSHA’s requirement for an annual training program in hearing conservation is described in only 3 paragraphs, yet it was cited 60% of the time as a serious violation. Students, faculty and staff exposed to 85 dB TWA must receive annual training in the effects of noise, the proper use and care of hearing protectors, and the purpose and procedures of audiometric testing.
Recordkeeping Violations
Nearly 75% of the OSHA citations for recordkeeping are related to not having a copy of the Hearing Conservation Standard posted. Other frequent citations include lack of individual noise exposure and audiometric records.
Hearing Protector Violations
The lack of appropriate hearing protection was deemed to be a serious violation more often (72%) than any other provision in the regulation. Cited frequently was the requirement to “ensure proper initial fitting and supervise the correct use of all hearing protectors. OSHA typically cites those who do not select hearing protectors that provide adequate noise reduction for the exposure. Those solutions deemed custom fit were recommended in most circumstances.
Employee Training Violations
OSHA’s requirement for an annual training program in hearing conservation is described in only 3 paragraphs, yet it was cited 60% of the time as a serious violation. Students, faculty and staff exposed to 85 dB TWA must receive annual training in the effects of noise, the proper use and care of hearing protectors, and the purpose and procedures of audiometric testing.
OSHA Hearing Conservation Violations – 2000 to 2004
For the four-year period from 2000 to 2004 OSHA cited more than 10,000 violations in reference to OSHA’s Hearing Conservation standard (1910.95). The accompanying penalties were over $7.5 million