Hearing Conservation Program
Noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protector selection, and employee training.
What this document is
This is a ready-to-customize template that meets the federal and California requirements for a written Hearing Conservation Program. It walks the employer through noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protector selection, employee training, and recordkeeping.
The regulation that requires it
29 CFR 1910.95 and T8 CCR §5097 require employers to protect workers from occupational noise exposure. The standard states that when employees are exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer must implement a continuing, effective hearing conservation program. The rule covers monitoring, audiometric testing, provision of hearing protectors, training, and record retention.
Who needs it
General contractors, subcontractors, and trades that operate heavy equipment, power tools, or work in noisy environments must have this program. Employers in California are subject to the stricter Cal/OSHA version under T8 CCR §5097. Multi-employer job sites in any state where noise levels routinely reach 85 dBA also need the program.
What happens without it
OSHA and Cal/OSHA cite employers for serious violations when a required Hearing Conservation Program is missing or incomplete. Current penalty ranges for serious violations start at several thousand dollars and can reach tens of thousands for repeated or willful cases. Inspections frequently occur on construction sites after noise complaints or routine visits, and multi-employer citations can be issued to both the controlling contractor and subcontractors.
What's included in the generated document
- Scope and responsibility section
- Noise exposure monitoring procedures
- Audiometric testing and evaluation requirements
- Hearing protector selection and fitting guidelines
- Employee training and recordkeeping procedures
How to implement it at your company
- Talk to Guy first. Describe your operation, trade, and location — Guy draws from 300,000+ verified OSHA and state regulatory citations to build a compliance plan specific to your company. Your answers shape every section of the document you receive. Takes about 10 minutes.
- Download and review the PDF template.
- Measure noise levels at your job sites and enter the results.
- Identify workers who need audiometric testing and hearing protection.
- Customize the training materials with your company name and procedures.
- Distribute the program to supervisors, conduct training, and keep all records on file.