STS (Standard Threshold Shift)
A change of 10 dB or more in average hearing thresholds at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear, triggering employer action under OSHA.
Key Facts
- Defined as ≥10 dB average shift at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz
- Compared against baseline audiogram in either ear
- Employer must notify employee in writing within 21 days
- May need to be recorded on OSHA 300 Log if work-related
OSHA defines STS as an average shift of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz relative to the baseline audiogram in either ear. Age correction may be applied per Table F-1 in 29 CFR 1910.95 Appendix F. When an STS is detected, the employer must: notify the employee in writing within 21 days, refit/retrain on hearing protection, require HPD use if not already required, and refer for clinical evaluation if indicated. The STS may also need to be recorded on the OSHA 300 Log if work-related.
Related Services
Related Industries
Related Articles
Credentialing delays cost staffing agencies, healthcare employers, and providers in lost income, extra work, and stress. This paper breaks down those costs in plain terms and shows why speeding up credentialing matters for everyone involved.
The Hidden Costs of "Good Enough" - Part 2Part 2 of our HR-focused whitepaper series gets concrete with industry-specific playbooks for healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. Learn where "good enough" breaks in your industry and follow our 90-day blueprint to tighten cycle time without reducing compliance rigor.
The Hidden Costs of "Good Enough"This HR-focused whitepaper from BlueHive explores the real cost of settling for “good enough” in occupational health compliance. While most organizations don’t fail audits, the daily friction of fr...
Simplify Your Compliance
BlueHive manages occupational health services so you can focus on your workforce.