Employer Resources
Occupational Health & Safety Resources
Reference information to help employers understand occupational health and safety requirements under OSHA, MSHA, FRA, and other applicable regulatory agencies. Resources cover hearing conservation, respiratory protection, and workplace safety program obligations.
Hearing Conservation
OSHA Hearing Conservation Standard (29 CFR 1910.95)
OSHA's occupational noise exposure standard requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program when employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dB. Key program elements include noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protection, training, and recordkeeping.
View OSHA StandardWhen Is a Hearing Conservation Program Required?
A hearing conservation program is required when employee noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA. Employers must monitor noise exposure, provide audiometric testing, make hearing protectors available, provide training, and maintain required records.
Audiometric Testing Requirements
OSHA requires employers to provide baseline and annual audiometric testing for employees exposed at or above the action level. A baseline audiogram must be established within 6 months of an employee's first exposure at or above the action level. Annual audiograms are compared to the employee's baseline audiogram to identify Standard Threshold Shifts (STS) and determine when follow-up is required.
Standard Threshold Shift (STS)
An STS is a change in hearing threshold relative to the baseline audiogram of an average of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear. When an STS is identified, OSHA requires appropriate follow-up, including written notification to the employee within 21 days of determination and review of hearing protection when applicable. Additional audiological or medical evaluation may be recommended when appropriate.
Respiratory Protection
OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134)
OSHA's respiratory protection standard requires employers to establish and maintain a written respiratory protection program when respirators are necessary to protect employee health. Program elements include written procedures, medical evaluations, fit testing, training, and respirator maintenance.
View OSHA StandardMedical Clearance for Respirator Use
Before an employee is fit tested or required to use a respirator, OSHA requires a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to safely use a respirator. This typically begins with completion of the OSHA respirator medical evaluation questionnaire (Appendix C to 1910.134), which is reviewed by a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP).
Respirator Fit Testing
OSHA requires fit testing before an employee initially uses a tight-fitting respirator and at least annually thereafter. Qualitative fit testing (QLFT) relies on the wearer's response to a test agent, while quantitative fit testing (QNFT) uses instrumentation to numerically measure respirator fit.
Workplace Safety
OSHA General Industry Standards (29 CFR 1910)
OSHA's general industry standards cover a broad range of workplace safety and health topics, including hazard communication, lockout/tagout, personal protective equipment, electrical safety, and more. Employers should review applicable standards based on their industry and operations.
View OSHA 1910 StandardsOSHA Injury and Illness Recordkeeping (29 CFR 1904)
Many employers with more than 10 employees are required to keep records of recordable work-related injuries and illnesses, although certain industries are partially exempt. OSHA's recordkeeping rule requires employers to maintain OSHA 300 logs, prepare annual summaries, and retain records for five years.
OSHA RecordkeepingOSHA's Free On-Site Consultation Program
OSHA offers a free and confidential on-site consultation service for small and medium-sized businesses. Consultants help employers identify hazards, improve safety programs, and understand OSHA standards. Consultations are separate from OSHA enforcement and do not result in citations or penalties.
OSHA Consultation ProgramAdditional Regulatory Resources
MSHA — Mine Safety and Health Administration
Mining and mineral-processing operations may be subject to occupational health and safety requirements enforced by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). MSHA regulations address areas including occupational noise exposure, hearing conservation, respiratory protection, medical surveillance, and other mine safety and health requirements. Regulatory jurisdiction can depend on the specific operation and work being performed, so employers should review applicable MSHA requirements and MSHA/OSHA jurisdictional guidance.
Visit MSHA WebsiteFRA — Federal Railroad Administration
Railroad employers may be subject to occupational health and safety requirements administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), OSHA, or other applicable agencies depending on the employees and operations involved. FRA regulations include specific occupational noise and hearing conservation requirements for covered railroad employees. Employers should review the regulations applicable to their operations and employee classifications.
Visit FRA WebsiteThese resources are provided for general informational purposes. Employers should consult the applicable regulations and requirements for their specific operations.
Questions About Your Occupational Health Program?
Contact us to discuss your facility's hearing conservation, respiratory protection, or safety service needs.