OSHA Invites Comments on Workplace Noise Paperwork Overload
Published Date: 12/8/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on how employers track workers’ exposure to loud noise to keep them safe on the job. This review helps make sure the paperwork is useful and not too much of a hassle. Comments are open until January 7, 2026, so businesses and workers can weigh in on the rules and record-keeping costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Large paperwork burden and cost estimates
DOL estimates this information collection affects 285,510 respondents with 17,424,368 total annual responses, totaling 2,443,146 annual hours and $43,851,245 in annual other costs. These are the federal estimates of time and non‑labor costs tied to the recordkeeping and information collection.
Employers must keep noise exposure records
The Occupational Noise Standard requires employers to establish and maintain accurate records of workers' noise exposure and audiometric testing performed under the standard. This information collection is submitted to OMB under Control Number 1218-0048 and applies to private‑sector businesses.
Standard aims to protect worker hearing health
The stated purpose of the Occupational Noise Standard and its information collection is to provide protection to workers from adverse health effects associated with occupational exposure to noise. Employers' records and audiometric testing are part of that protection effort.
Opportunity to submit public comments by Jan 7, 2026
The Department of Labor and OMB are accepting written public comments on this information collection through January 7, 2026. Businesses and workers can send comments at www.reginfo.gov to weigh in on the recordkeeping requirements and burden estimates.
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