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OSHA made a change in the recording of hearing loss as an injury on the OSHA Log 300 from a 25 dB STS to a 10 dB STS. The revision of OSHA 1904 went into effect January 1, 2003.
How to determine an OSHA Recordable 10 dB STS in a three-step process. The procedure is based upon a threshold average at 2000, 3000, 4000Hz for either ear when comparing Baseline or Revised Baseline to the Current Test.
Step 1: If the Current Test average at 2, 3, 4 kHz in either ear is at least 25 dB (without age correction) then the shift may be OSHA recordable-go to Step 2. If it's not-you can stop here-it's not recordable.
Step 2: Compare the "Original Baseline" average (or last "Revised Baseline") at 2, 3, 4 Hz in either ear to the "Current" Test average (with age correction-see the OSHA Web site for applying age correction; examples are also provided). If the average difference is 10 dB or more-then go to Step 3. If it's not-it's not recordable.
Step 3: The STS is required to be put on the Log 300 if:
- A retest is done within 30 days and the shift is confirmed or
- If a retest is not done within 30 days the loss is considered "confirmed" or
- If an audiologist or physician has determined that, in part, the shift is most likely work noise-related.
The shift must be recorded within seven days of the retest (or if no retest was performed after 30 days-meaning 37 days) or if determined by the professional reviewer.
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