November 20, 2006
Did you know...?
OSHA estimates that more than 10 million U.S. workers have lost part of their hearing and 30 million more may be at risk.
The World Health Organization states that hearing loss is on the rise and that noise-induced hearing loss is the most common permanent, preventable injury in the world. According to the CDC, noise-induced hearing loss is the leading occupational illness in North America. Workers need to understand their risk for noise-induced hearing loss.
In the U.S., OSHA’s Occupational Noise Exposure Standard and Hearing Conversation Amendment (29 CFR 1910.95) outlines a rigorous, employee-oriented program to reduce risks of noise exposure in the workplace. The standard addresses equipment and manufacturing processes to reduce noise. OSHA also mandates that Personal Protective Equipment must be provided to employees. Employers are also mandated to administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program when employee exposure to noise reaches damaging levels.
Because damage accumulates over time, hearing loss is often undetected or noticed in the early stages. Noise-induced hearing loss causes no immediate pain or trauma and causes no scars or bruises. Damage is permanent and there is no cure for hearing loss. Job-related noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable.
OSHA’s approved hearing conservation program contains the following components:
Noise Monitoring – determine noise levels in the workplace. Monitoring requires sound level meters to measure area sound levels, and dosimeters to record an individual’s noise exposure over time. Noise monitoring is not required annually, but must be performed any time noticeable change occurs in machinery or manufacturing processes. An employee’s noise exposure must be included in his or her job description including identifying noisy areas and changes in noise levels.
Audiometric Testing – under OSHA regulations, all new employees must undergo an audiometric test within 6 months of employment, and all noise – exposed workers must be tested annually. Tests are compared year to year to determine if hearing remains stable or an issue may be developing.
Hearing Protection – if noise levels meet or exceed the 85 dBA action level OSHA requires employers to provide employees with a variety of suitable hearing protectors ranging from earplugs to earmuffs.
Training – include information on the effects of noise exposure; the use, selection and proper fitting of hearing protection; and audiometric testing procedures.
Recordkeeping – 29 CFR 1919.95 requires adequate recordkeeping of noise exposure levels and of all audiometric testing. Records provide a means to assess progress or rectify existing problems.
Having a hearing conservation program is not enough. Employees must understand the risk of hearing loss when working in a loud environment. They must be provided with appropriate hearing protection devices and trained to use them properly. Most importantly, employees must wear their hearing protection devices.
To learn more about 29 CFR 1919.95 visit OSHA’s website at: http://www.osha.gov/.
To learn more about how OHS-COMPCARE contact our Client Services Team at (816) 561-2105 or by e-mail at customerservice@ohscompcare.com. You can also visit us at www.ohscompcare.com.
*Please feel free to forward this information to any member of management in your company who would benefit from it.*
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Blue Springs Clinical Facility |
Independence Clinical Facility |
Johnson County Clinical Facility |
St. Joseph Clinical Facility |
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801 NW St. Mary’s Drive |
17020 East 40 Highway |
10415 Lackman Road |
904 Edmond Street |
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Blue Springs, MO 64104 |
Independence, MO 64055 |
Lenexa, KS 66219 |
St. Joseph, MO 64501 |
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816-224-9121 |
816-478-9299 |
913-495-9905 |
816-233-7702 |
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KCMO/Broadway Clinical Facility |
KCMO/Front Street Clinical Facility |
Wyandotte County Clinical Facility |
Grandview Clinical Facility ***now open*** |
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1650 Broadway |
6501 East Commerce, Suite 110 |
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13830 S Us Highway 71 |
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Kansas City, MO 64108 |
Kansas City, MO 64120 |
Kansas City, KS 66102 |
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816-842-2020 |
816-483-5550 |
913-596-2774 |
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