1910.95(g)(6): Annual Hearing Tests
Employers must get a new audiogram at least annually after the baseline audiogram for each worker exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.
Key takeaways
- 1910.95(g)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 99 times in the last 3 years, in 99 inspections, with $181,566 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PA (15), TN (10), OH (7).
- 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)(6) ("Annual audiogram") 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
(6) Annual audiogram. At least annually after obtaining the baseline audiogram, the employer shall obtain a new audiogram for each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels. 99 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 | 3 |
| 2024 | 38 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2026 | 25 |
Top states: PA (15), TN (10), OH (7), WI (6), ME (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CHART, INC. | BEASLEY, TX | $11,524 |
| AUNT KITTY'S FOODS INC. | VINELAND, NJ | $10,500 |
| MAGIC TILT TRAILERS, INC. | CLEARWATER, FL | $10,162 |
| THE ARDAGH GROUP | BRIDGETON, NJ | $10,000 |
| BPM INC. | PESHTIGO, WI | $8,276 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.95(g)(6), 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)(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)(8)(i) 10 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 often are hearing tests required?
At least annually after the baseline audiogram.
Who needs an annual audiogram?
Each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.
What comes before the annual test?
A 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.