MX · Expiry & renewal tracking
Never let a noise-exposed worker miss the annual exam
Employers in Mexico must give every worker exposed to noise of 85 dB(A) or more a specific annual medical exam under a hearing conservation programme (NOM-011-STPS-2001, points 5.6 and 8.6). Six-monthly audiometry is only suggested by the non-mandatory Reference Guide I.
NOM-011-STPS-2001, Safety and hygiene conditions in workplaces where noise is generated (DOF 17/04/2002), applies throughout Mexico in every workplace where workers are exposed to noise (point 2). The employer must monitor the health of noise-exposed workers and tell each worker their results (point 5.7), and must implement, keep and update a hearing conservation programme (point 5.6), which applies in areas where workers are exposed to 85 dB(A) or more (point 5.5).
Health surveillance is mandatory: the employer must carry out specific annual medical exams for every worker exposed to noise levels of 85 dB(A) and above, as set by the official standards of the Ministry of Health. Where no such standards exist, the company doctor decides the type of exams, how often they are done and the measures to apply, taking the worker's susceptibility into account; Reference Guide I, which is not mandatory, may be used for this (point 8.6).
Reference Guide I suggests a baseline audiogram for each worker assigned to a place where the noise exposure level (NER) exceeds 85 dB(A), preceded by at least 14 hours without noise exposure, and follow-up audiograms every six months for exposure of 85 dB(A) or more and once a year for exposure between 80 and 85 dB(A) (Guide I, point I.3). Results are given to the worker individually and in strict confidence (I.9).
The employer must keep the hearing conservation programme records with the information recorded over the last 5 years (point 8.8.1); these records include health surveillance (point 8.8.3(d)). In addition, where exposure reaches or exceeds an NER of 80 dB(A), the noise survey and NER assessment are repeated every two years or within ninety days of a change in production, processes, equipment or controls (point 8.2.2(d)).
At a glance
| Who it applies to | Every workplace where workers are exposed to noise (NOM-011-STPS-2001, point 2) |
|---|---|
| Mandatory medical exam | Annual and specific, for every worker exposed to 85 dB(A) or more (point 8.6) |
| Follow-up audiometry (non-mandatory guide) | Every six months for exposure of 85 dB(A) or more; yearly for 80 to 85 dB(A) (Reference Guide I, point I.3) |
| Baseline audiogram | When a worker is assigned to a place where the NER exceeds 85 dB(A), after at least 14 hours without exposure (Guide I, point I.3(a)) |
| Results | Given to each worker (point 5.7), individually and in confidence (Guide I, point I.9) |
| Record keeping | Hearing conservation programme information for the last 5 years (point 8.8.1) |
| Noise survey | Every two years or within 90 days of a change, where the NER is 80 dB(A) or more (point 8.2.2(d)) |
| Worker's duty | To undergo the medical exams of the hearing conservation programme (point 6.2) |
The maximum permissible exposure limits run from 90 dB(A) for 8 hours to 105 dB(A) for 15 minutes (Appendix A, Table A.1). No one may be exposed to more than 105 dB(A) without hearing protection (point 5.3), and hearing protection must be provided to every worker exposed to 85 dB(A) or more (point 5.4).
Who is responsible?
The employer is responsible for the medical exams, the hearing conservation programme and for showing the labour authority the records the standard requires (NOM-011-STPS-2001, points 5.1, 5.6 and 5.7). Where there are no Ministry of Health standards, the company doctor decides the type and frequency of exams (point 8.6). Workers must undergo the required medical exams (point 6.2). The employer may, optionally, hire an accredited and approved verification unit or testing laboratory (point 10.1).
If the deadline passes
Enforcement of NOM-011-STPS-2001 is the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (STPS) (point 11). Employers must comply with the official standards on occupational safety and health (Federal Labour Law, Article 132, section XVII), and there are sanctions for employers who do not observe safety and hygiene standards (Federal Labour Law, Articles 992 and 994, section V).
Annual medical exam required, six-monthly audiometry suggested
The standard requires a specific annual medical exam for anyone exposed to 85 dB(A) or more (point 8.6). The six-monthly audiometry for 85 dB(A) or more comes from Reference Guide I, which the standard itself says is not mandatory; the company doctor sets the frequency where there is no Ministry of Health standard. If your doctor follows the guide, record the audiometry with a six-month expiry and the medical exam with a twelve-month expiry.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add a record for each noise-exposed worker and enter the date of the last medical exam plus one year as the expiry date, or plus six months if your company doctor follows the frequency in Reference Guide I.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the expiry date and on the day, giving time to book the audiogram and allow the 14 noise-free hours the guide suggests.
- The medical provider can upload the exam result or certificate through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the occupational health service or the safety team; if a worker passes the date without an exam, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How often is the noise-exposure medical exam done?
- NOM-011-STPS-2001 requires specific annual medical exams for every worker exposed to 85 dB(A) or more (point 8.6). The non-mandatory Reference Guide I suggests follow-up audiograms every six months at 85 dB(A) or more and yearly between 80 and 85 dB(A) (point I.3).
- Who decides which exams are done?
- The official standards issued by the Ministry of Health apply; where none exist, the company doctor decides the type of exams, how often they are done and the measures to take, considering the worker's susceptibility (point 8.6).
- How long must results be kept?
- The hearing conservation programme records, which include health surveillance, are kept with the information recorded over the last 5 years (points 8.8.1 and 8.8.3).
- What if the audiogram shows noise damage?
- Under Reference Guide I, the doctor carries out further tests (point I.10) and, if the hearing loss is linked to exposure, the employer should consider moving the worker to an area below 80 dB(A) or managing exposure times, and assess their hearing every 6 months (point I.12).
- Are there sanctions for non-compliance?
- Yes. Enforcement lies with the STPS (point 11), and there are sanctions for employers who do not observe safety and hygiene standards (Federal Labour Law, Articles 992 and 994, section V).
Sources
- NOM-011-STPS-2001, Condiciones de seguridad e higiene en los centros de trabajo donde se genere ruido (STPS, DOF 17/04/2002), points 2, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 11, Appendix A and Reference Guide I, in Spanish
- Ley Federal del Trabajo (Federal Labour Law), Articles 132 section XVII, 992 and 994 (Chamber of Deputies, current text, last amended DOF 14-05-2026, in Spanish)
Last checked: Oct 11, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
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