UniFirst(US:UNF) Prnewswireยท2025-09-09 11:50Core Insights - UniFirst First Aid + Safety and Soundtrace have partnered to provide on-site audiometric testing services to help employers comply with OSHA's hearing conservation requirements and protect workers from preventable hearing loss [1][5]. Industry Context - Millions of American workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels annually, which can lead to irreversible hearing loss. OSHA mandates that employers implement hearing conservation programs, including annual audiometric testing for employees exposed to average noise levels of 85 decibels or more during an 8-hour shift [2]. Challenges in Compliance - Employers with existing hearing conservation programs face challenges such as coordinating testing across multiple shifts, accommodating tight production schedules, and minimizing downtime. Traditional methods like mobile testing vans and inconsistent tablet-based screenings often fail to meet operational demands, leading to missed tests and increased administrative burdens [3][4]. Financial Implications - Failure to detect hearing damage can result in significant financial penalties, with OSHA violations potentially costing up to $165,514 and workers' compensation claims exceeding $100,000 [4]. Partnership Benefits - The partnership will enable UniFirst to offer on-site audiometric testing powered by Soundtrace's AI-driven technology, making compliance easier and reducing employee time away from work [5][6]. Key benefits include: - Convenience of on-site testing during work hours [7] - Automated, OSHA-compliant recordkeeping [7] - Early detection of hearing shifts through AI technology [7] Company Profiles - UniFirst First Aid + Safety is a subsidiary of UniFirst Corporation, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with 260 service locations and over 300,000 customer locations [6]. - Soundtrace specializes in hearing conservation technology, providing digital testing and compliance tools to protect workers from occupational hearing loss [7].