Which regulatory body establishes the standards for hearing conservation in the workplace?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the regulatory body that establishes and enforces standards for hearing conservation in the workplace. OSHA's regulations specifically address noise exposure levels and the necessary provisions for hearing conservation programs. These regulations are designed to protect workers from hearing loss associated with occupational noise exposure by requiring employers to implement measures such as monitoring noise levels, providing hearing protection, and conducting regular hearing tests.

The role of OSHA in hearing conservation is critical because it sets legally enforceable standards that employers must follow to ensure a safe workplace environment, which includes provisions for managing noise-related risks. This distinction of OSHA as the governing authority underscores the importance of health and safety regulations for protecting employees from hazards that can lead to significant long-term health consequences, such as permanent hearing loss.

In contrast, while the other organizations mentioned have roles in related areas—like NIOSH conducting research and providing guidance on occupational health, the EPA focusing on environmental standards, and ANSI developing consensus standards—they do not have the same regulatory enforcement capability as OSHA has regarding workplace safety and health regulations.