New hearing-loss baseline after recording a loss

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

January 22, 1996

Larry Catlett, M.D.
CIANBRO Corporation
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Dr. Catlett:

This is in response to your letter of November 14, concerning the recording of hearing loss on the OSHA Form 200.

You stated you are unclear as to the position of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on resetting the reference audiogram once a hearing loss that must be recorded on OSHA Form 200 has occurred. When a hearing loss occurs that must be recorded on OSHA Form 200, the audiogram indicating the hearing loss becomes the new baseline for determining whether future additional hearing loss by the individual must again be recorded on OSHA Form 200.

You asked about establishing an original baseline audiogram for an employee who returns to a company after leaving it. The first valid audiogram obtained from the employee after rehire becomes the original baseline audiogram that must be used as the reference for determining if hearing loss by the employee must be recorded on OSHA Form 200.

We appreciate the opportunity to clarify these matters for you. If you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact Gail Brinkerhoff of the Office of Health Compliance Assistance on (202) 219-8036.

Sincerely,
Ruth McCully, Director
Office of Health Compliance Assistance

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]