Elements of a construction hearing conservation program

August 4, 1992
Mr. F.W. Lundy
BE&K Construction Company
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Lundy:
This is in response to your letter of July 1, requesting clarification as to what constitutes a hearing conservation program under the construction standard for occupational noise exposure, 29 CFR 1926.52.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has determined that an effective hearing conservation program consists of the following elements:
(1) Monitoring of employee noise exposures,
(2) The institution of engineering, work practice, and administrative controls for excessive noise,
(3) The provision of each overexposed employee with an individually fitted hearing protector with an adequate noise reduction rating,
(4) Employee training and education regarding noise hazards and protection measures,
(5) Baseline and annual audiometry,
(6) Procedures for preventing further occupational hearing loss by an employee whenever such an event has been identified.
(7) Recording Keeping
Every construction industry employer's hearing conservation program must incorporate as many of the above elements as are feasible.
We appreciate the opportunity to clarify this matter for you.
Sincerely,
Patricia K. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs