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OSHA published their final decision regarding the pending revision to 29 CFR 1904, the federal recordkeeping rule, in the Federal Register of October 12, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 198, Pages 52031-52034). Key points regarding hearing loss recordkeeping:

• Implementation of 29 CFR 1904.10, the specific hearing loss rule, is delayed until January 1, 2003, along with the musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) requirement.

• OSHA has added new language establishing criteria for recording work-related hearing loss during calendar year 2002. Section 1904.10(c) codifies the enforcement policy in effect since 1991, requiring recording of work related shifts from initial (pre-employment) baseline of an average of 25dB or more at 2000, 3000 and 4000 hertz in either ear.

• OSHA will issue new recordkeeping forms that have been modified to remove the hearing loss column from OSHA 300 Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses and OSHA 300A Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.

• In keeping with current OSHA policy, presbycusis adjustments per Appendix F of 29 CFR 1910.95 (Hearing Conservation Amendment) are permitted when calculating recordability.

• OSHA will continue to "evaluate" 29 CFR 1904.10 over the next year. John Henshaw, new OSHA chief, indicated at a meeting on Oct. 8 that hearings were planned for 2002 but not yet scheduled.

• State-plan states will be expected to have "identical criteria" once the rule is final, but since OSHA's intent at this time is "to maintain the status quo", they will be allowed to maintain current policies for 2002.

  The Federal Register is available on-line at www.access.gpo.gov/nara/
  

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