According to OSHA, when must hearing protection be provided to workers?

Hearing protection must be provided to workers when they are exposed to noise levels averaging 85 dB or more over an 8-hour period. This criterion is based on the recognition that prolonged exposure to noise at this level can lead to permanent hearing loss. OSHA has established this threshold to help ensure that workers are not subjected to harmful noise levels without adequate protection.

In practice, the 85 dB limit is critical because it serves as a benchmark for employers to assess the risk of hearing damage in the workplace. Employers are required to implement a hearing conservation program when noise exposure exceeds this level, which includes monitoring noise levels, providing hearing protection, and conducting regular hearing tests for workers.

Other options propose different standards that do not align with OSHA's guidelines. For instance, an instantaneous measurement of 85 dB does not account for the duration of exposure, and a noise level of more than 50 dB, when averaged over a shift, is too low and does not warrant mandatory hearing protection under OSHA's regulations. Similarly, the idea that any noise not reduced by engineering controls necessitates hearing protection does not accurately reflect the specific regulations OSHA has in place regarding noise exposure thresholds.