What are the penalties for non-compliance with OSHA's hearing loss regulation?

So, OSHA's hearing loss regulation, known as the Occupational Noise Exposure Standard, is in place to make sure that workers are protected from hazardous noise levels that can cause hearing loss. And it's crucial that employers comply with this regulation, because the penalties for non-compliance can be significant.

For serious violations of this regulation, employers can be penalized up to $13,653 per violation. This kind of violation is where there's a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from the hazard created by the violation.

But, if an employer is found to have willfully violated OSHA's hearing loss regulation, the maximum penalty jumps up to $136,532 per violation. A willful violation is a violation where the employer either knew that a hazardous condition existed and made no reasonable effort to eliminate it or was aware that a hazardous condition existed and intentionally disregarded it.

So, as you can see, it's really important for employers to make sure they are in compliance with OSHA's hearing loss regulation. If an employer is found to be non-compliant, OSHA may require the employer to take corrective actions to come into compliance, such as providing hearing protection to workers, reducing noise levels, and implementing a hearing conservation program. It's essential to note that penalties can vary based on specific circumstances, so employers should consult with OSHA or a qualified legal professional for more information on this regulation and associated penalties.