Employee training

• OSHA requires covered employers to train employees on the effects of noise on hearing, the purpose and use of hearing protectors, and the purpose of audiometric testing.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to establish a training program for all employees with noise exposures at or above the action level and ensure employee participation. Training must be repeated annually for each employee in the hearing conservation program and the information must be updated to be consistent with changes in protective equipment and work processes.

The employer must ensure that each employee is informed of:

• The effects of noise on hearing.
• The purpose of hearing protectors, the advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types, and instructions on selection, fitting, use, and care.
• The purpose of audiometric testing and an explanation of test procedures.

Employers must make copies of the OSHA noise standard available to affected employees and post a copy in the workplace. They also are required to provide affected employees with any informational materials pertaining to the standard that are supplied to the employer by OSHA and give OSHA copies of all material relating to the employer’s training and education program (on request).