The Critical Importance of Baseline Audiogram Testing During Employee Onboarding

Introduction

When it comes to protecting employees’ hearing health, baseline audiogram testing during onboarding is not just a best practice—it’s essential. Despite OSHA’s allowance for companies to delay baseline audiogram testing for up to a year, the risks of waiting far outweigh the benefits. Companies that delay baseline testing expose themselves to significant legal and financial liabilities, especially since hearing loss claims can be filed within just 90 days of employment. This post will explore why baseline audiogram testing should be performed immediately during onboarding and the risks associated with delaying this crucial step.

What is Baseline Audiogram Testing?

A baseline audiogram test is an initial hearing test conducted to establish a reference point for an employee’s hearing ability at the time of hire. This test is essential for tracking any changes in hearing over time, especially in environments where noise exposure is a concern. The baseline audiogram serves as a critical benchmark against which future hearing tests are compared to determine if any hearing loss has occurred during employment.

OSHA Guidelines on Baseline Audiogram Testing

OSHA regulations allow employers to delay baseline audiogram testing for up to one year, as long as it is conducted within this timeframe after the initial noise exposure. While this may seem convenient, it poses substantial risks. Waiting several months—or even up to a year—can lead to significant legal and financial consequences if an employee claims hearing loss. It’s important to understand that OSHA compliance does not fully protect employers from liability.

The Risks of Delaying Baseline Audiogram Testing

1. Increased Liability for Hearing Loss Claims
   • Employers are liable for the entire occupational deafness to which the employment has contributed, regardless of whether the employee’s last noise exposure was significant. This means that even if the last exposure was minor, the employer at the time of the claim may be held responsible for covering the costs associated with the hearing loss. Without a baseline audiogram, it becomes challenging to prove that the hearing loss did not occur during the employee’s tenure.
2. The 90-Day Claim Window
   • Employees can file a hearing loss claim after just 90 days of exposure to harmful noise. If a company waits up to a year to conduct a baseline audiogram, it opens itself to significant risk. In the absence of a baseline, any hearing loss reported could be attributed to the current employer, even if it was caused by previous employers. This could lead to costly legal battles and settlements.
3. The Last Employer’s Burden
   • According to workers’ compensation laws, the employer and insurer on the risk during the time of the last exposure are responsible for the payment of medical expenses, regardless of whether the last exposure was significant. This places the burden of proof on the current employer to demonstrate that the hearing loss did not occur under their watch. Without a baseline audiogram, this becomes nearly impossible, increasing the chances of the employer being held liable.

Protecting Your Company with Baseline Audiogram Testing

Implementing baseline audiogram testing as part of the onboarding process is a proactive measure that protects your company from unnecessary liability. Here’s how it benefits you:

1. Establishes a Clear Hearing Health Record
   • By conducting a baseline audiogram test during onboarding, you establish a clear and indisputable record of the employee’s hearing health at the start of their employment. This record can be used as a reference in the event of any future hearing loss claims.
2. Mitigates Legal Risks
   • A baseline audiogram can serve as critical evidence in legal proceedings. If an employee files a hearing loss claim, the baseline test can help prove that the loss did not occur during their current employment, potentially saving your company from costly settlements.
3. Ensures Compliance and Safety
   • While OSHA compliance is important, taking a step beyond the minimum requirements ensures that you are not only following the law but also actively protecting your employees and your company. Immediate baseline testing demonstrates a commitment to employee safety and can be a key component of a robust hearing conservation program.

Conclusion

Delaying baseline audiogram testing may be OSHA-compliant, but it leaves your company vulnerable to significant risks. By conducting baseline tests during employee onboarding, you protect your company from liability, ensure compliance with safety standards, and most importantly, safeguard your employees’ hearing health. Don’t wait until it’s too late—implement baseline audiogram testing as a mandatory part of your onboarding process today.