OCCUPATIONAL NOISE THE INVISIBLE HAZARD AND KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL HEARING PROTECTION
BLE PE TA RM N A E N V E E N R T P
E P A IV I S N S L E ES GR S PRO
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS (NIHL) IS THE MOST COMMON PERMANENT AND PREVENTABLE OCCUPATIONAL INJURY
mil.
jet engine hammer takeoff on nail U.S. workers are of hearing loss among of noise-exposed exposed to hazardous workers is caused by workers report not noise each year occupational wearing hearing exposures protection
ambulance generator Unlike most injuries, it’s difficult to tell when you’ve been siren affected by NIHL because it’s painless and progressive.
CAUSES Continuous, long-term exposure to sounds at or exceeding 85 decibels impact One-time impulsive exposure over 140 dB peak bulldozer wrench
table saw lawnmower AGRICULTURE CONSTRUCTION FOOD PROCESSING MANUFACTURING MILITARY MINING
OIL & GAS PUBLIC SAFETY TRANSPORTATION UTILITIES SERVICES
EXAMPLES OF NOISE HAZARDS
$ SOCIAL ISOLATION AND REDUCES PRODUCTIVITY $ 1.5 WITHDRAWAL 242 million LIMITS ABILITY TO RESULTS IN TEMPORARY OR million employers UNDERSTAND SPEECH PERMANENT HEARING LOSS annually spent pay/year in on workers’ penalties for compensation not protecting INCREASES RISK OF for hearing IMPAIRS ABILITY TO HYPERTENSION AND HIGH workers from COMMUNICATE loss disability noise CHOLESTEROL
EFFECTS OF NIHL ON WORKERS Cost to employers Cost to society OSHA’s role
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 If controls fail to reduce When noise exposure In some very loud Refer to the OSHA requires employers to noise to permissible levels equal or exceed an environments, workers standard for complete use engineering and levels, Hearing Protection 8-hour time-weighted should wear double details. administrative controls Device must be provided average sound level hearing protection to reduce excessive and used. (TWA) of 85 dBA, a (earplugs and earmuffs). noise levels. hearing conservation program is required.
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL HEARING PROTECTION Occupational NIHL can be reduced or eliminated when proper measures are implemented
COMFORT CONVENIENCE
COMPATIBILITY
Wearers should: Employers should: • Be aware of jobsite noise risks • Provide an assortment of hearing protection types and sizes to ensure workers achieve the 3 Cs • Always use hearing protection where noise hazards exist • Monitor noise levels and make necessary adjustments to reduce hazardous noise levels • Carefully follow fitting instructions to ensure protection • Educate workforce on the importance of using hearing protection devices and their proper use • Inspect, clean, and replace hearing protection devices (HPD) according • Avoid overprotection to ensure clear communication and the ability to instructions to hear warning signals • Rely on Honeywell Howard Leight to help guide the selection process and ensure appropriate protection that meets the unique needs of your workforce
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