OSHA’s Noise standard requires only that audiometric testing be made available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA. On the other hand, the standard does not prohibit an employer from having a company rule that employees submit to audiometric testing.
If the employee refuses to see a physician, employers may use whatever documentation they prefer to document that they have offered the referral.
The employer should be aware; however, that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) places certain limitations on employer required medical examinations. Among other things, such examinations must be shown to be job-related and consistent with business necessity.