A new OSHA program aims to protect Midwest workers from permanent hearing loss from hazardous workplace noise. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows more than one in 10 people encounter workplace noise sufficient to damage their hearing. Despite this health hazard, the Bureau reported almost half the nation’s workers don’t wear hearing protection in noisy workplaces.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires hearing protection when sound levels reach 85 decibels. At 85 dB or louder, you have to raise your voice to converse with a colleague only three feet away.
OSHA responds
In response to the eye-opening data on workplace hearing damage, OSHA has launched a new program targeting high-noise industries and construction in Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin) and Region 7 (Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska).
Education and inspections
The program starts with education that encourages employers to address workplace noise with hearing conservation programs. Educational materials will be distributed to employers, professional associations, local safety councils, apprenticeship programs, local hospitals, and occupational-health clinics.
Following the outreach phase, OSHA will begin inspecting high-noise industries to ensure employers take the required steps to protect their workers. Compliance with OHSA workplace noise regulations is federal law. OSHA fines companies that ignore federal noise regulations.
Hearing conservation programs are designed to protect workers’ hearing and prevent irreversible hearing loss. These programs also provide employers and workers with the knowledge and equipment to control and reduce their exposure to noise, said OSHA Acting Regional Administrator Steven J. Kaplan in Kansas City, Missouri in a press release.
Occupational hearing conservation benefits employers and employees
Benefits for employers
Compliance with OSHA reguations
- Eliminates fines for unprotected noise exposure.
- Reduces risk of worker-compensation claims and personal-injury lawsuits.
- Provides an employee-healthcare benefit giving organizations a competitive advantage because OHC:
- Increases workplace safety.
- Increases employee productivity.
- Enhances employee recruitment and retention.
- Mitigates the risk of hearing loss and many life-changing disorders caused by hearing loss.
Benefits for employees
OHC mitigates the risk of:
- Partial and permanent hearing loss.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Cognitive decline, dementia.
- High blood pressure.
- Anxiety, depression.
- Unhealthy psychological stress.
- Low job satisfaction.
Need help?
If you're in our service area and have questions about occupational-hearing conservation, email or call us — 708-599-9500 — and we'll connect you with a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist.
