What is the first step in a comprehensive hearing conservation program?

The first step in a comprehensive hearing conservation program is conducting a noise exposure assessment. This assessment is crucial as it helps to identify the levels of noise in the workplace and to determine whether they exceed regulated limits that could potentially harm workers' hearing.

By measuring noise levels and understanding the duration of exposure, the assessment provides the necessary data to evaluate risk and to tailor the subsequent components of the hearing conservation program effectively. This ensures that any training, provision of hearing protection devices, or maintenance of noisy equipment can be appropriately addressed based on the specific conditions identified in the assessment. Thus, it's a foundational step that informs all other actions within the hearing conservation strategy.