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Traverse County approves 'shoebox' hearing-test program for highway and safety staff
Summary
Emergency Manager Lynn Siegel presented options for required OSHA hearing tests; the Board approved a county-administered 'shoebox program' at $1,300 per year to allow testing locally and for county staff to administer and retain records.
Emergency Manager Lynn Siegel told the Board that OSHA-required hearing tests are needed for Highway Department employees, deputy sheriffs, and the Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor. A Sanford testing option would cost about $40 per test plus employee wages and travel to testing sites; the alternative 'shoebox program' would supply equipment, allow testing in-county, and train Siegel to administer tests for an annual cost of $1,300 and include record-keeping by the vendor.
The Board unanimously approved the shoebox program (motion by Commissioner Chad Metz, seconded by Commissioner Dwight Nelson). Siegel noted that hearing tests are required on hire and annually; the approved option is intended to reduce travel time and improve convenience for employees while meeting recordkeeping requirements.
No employee counts or estimated per-employee annual cost were provided beyond the $1,300 equipment/training price; staff will implement the program and ensure compliant scheduling and record retention.
