1910.95(g)(8)(i): Written Notice of Hearing Threshold Shift
If a comparison of a worker's annual audiogram to the baseline audiogram shows a standard threshold shift, the employer must tell the worker in writing within 21 days of that determination.
Key takeaways
- 1910.95(g)(8)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $10,393 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (2), MD (2), NY (2).
- Related part: 1910.95(g) Audiometric testing program (437 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.95(g)(8)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart G). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(i) If a comparison of the annual audiogram to the baseline audiogram indicates a standard threshold shift as defined in paragraph (g)(10) of this section has occurred, the employee shall be informed of this fact in writing, within 21 days of the determination. 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.95.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: TN (2), MD (2), NY (2), MN (1), PA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GATES ALBERT INC | NORTH CHILI, NY | $7,000 |
| THOMPSON APPALACHIAN HARDWOODS, INC. | HUNTLAND, TN | $1,400 |
| CHARLES A. RICHARDSON, INC. | MANSFIELD, MA | $1,013 |
| 106567 - KEMPS LLC | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $980 |
| ARTELYE, INC. | BELTSVILLE, MD | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.95(g)(8)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.95(g) Audiometric testing program 437 citations
- 1910.95(g)(1) 227 citations
- 1910.95(g)(6) Annual audiogram 99 citations
- 1910.95(g)(5) Baseline audiogram 80 citations
- 1910.95(g)(5)(i) 72 citations
- 1910.95(g)(8) Follow-up procedures 25 citations
- 1910.95(g)(8)(ii) 15 citations
- 1910.95(g)(7) Evaluation of audiogram 5 citations
- 1910.95(g)(7)(ii) 2 citations
- 1910.95(g)(3) 1 citations
- 1910.95(g)(7)(iii) 1 citations
- 1910.95(g)(5)(iii)
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
How will I be told if my hearing test shows a shift?
The employer must inform you in writing.
How fast must I be told?
Within 21 days of the determination.
What is the hearing test compared to?
Your annual audiogram is compared to your baseline audiogram.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.95 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.