EHS Today
  • Magazine Subscription
  • ENewsletters
  • EHS Education
  • Safety Leadership Conference
  • America's Safest Companies
    • Search
  • EHS Today Intelligence
  • Safety
  • Health
  • Environment
  • Standards
  • Safety Technology
  • Training & Engagement
  • Leadership
  • Topics
    EHS IntelligenceEnvironmentHealthSafetyLeadershipStandardsConstructionPPESafety TechnologyTraining & EngagementEmergency ManagementCOVID-19 CrisisIndustrial Hygiene
    Resources
    Member BenefitsSafety Leadership ConferenceEHS EducationAmerica's Safest Companies AwardsWebinarsWhite PapersWorkplace Safety AcademyMagazine SubscriptioneNewsletter SubscriptionLatest HeadlinesContact UsAdvertisePress ReleasesPrivacy & Cookie PolicyTerms of Service
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/EHS-Today/66542218626?ref=ts
    https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4355311
    https://twitter.com/EHSToday
    1. Archive

    Best Practices Make Better Hearing Conservation Programs

    Nov. 1, 2007
    While the language of OSHA's Occupational Noise Standard (CFR 29 1910.95) may appear convoluted, its dictates are rather straightforward, says Renee Bessette,
    Sandy Smith

    While the language of OSHA's Occupational Noise Standard (CFR 29 1910.95) may appear convoluted, its dictates are rather straightforward, says Renee Bessette, a certified occupational hearing conservationist.

    “Implementing an OSHA-approved hearing conservation program is not as daunting as it seems,” says Bessette, who also is a marketing manager for Sperian Hearing Protection. “There are a number of ‘best practices’ that safety program managers can employ that not only help ensure compliance with regulations, but also promote positive employee attitudes towards hearing safety.”

    Bessette recommends posting “noise maps” in readily accessible areas to let workers know where hearing protection devices (HPDs) are required. Bessette also suggests tracking occupational noise exposure histories in employee personnel records to help audiologists interpret employee audiograms.

    In selecting hearing protectors, OSHA mandates that a “variety of suitable hearing protectors” be provided. Quite often a safety manager will interpret this to mean offering one earplug, in corded and uncorded styles, but Bessette suggests offering a wider variety. “One earplug or earmuff style may not be comfortable for the entire workforce.” she says.

    She points out there is a wide range of HPDs available, designed for specific applications and/or worker preference, ranging from high-visibility, ultraslim and cap-mounted earmuffs to earplugs that adapt to the unique contours of each ear canal and banded earplugs that quickly can be inserted during intermittent noise. Employers should offer workers several different styles, including single- and multiple-use earplugs, as well as earmuffs.

    Bessette adds, “Safety managers should always include a group of workers from different areas of their facility in the selection process to improve worker acceptance and compliance.”

    Workers also must be trained in identifying hazardous noise, methods to prevent noise exposure,and proper HPD use, as protection can be dangerously reduced with improper insertion. “Praise workers who always wear their HPDs,” suggests Bessette, “and encourage workers to take extra earplugs home.”

    But the best practice, Bessette concludes, is to make hearing conservation a team effort. “Assemble a cross-departmental team for your hearing conservation program to enhance support, provide input, and help implementation in a variety of areas,” she says.

    Create a committee that not only includes safety professionals, but also representatives from various departments to make sure all aspects of the program are in place. “And get buy-in from senior management,” Bessette says. “It sends a clear signal to the entire company that management cares about everyone's hearing safety.”

    Continue Reading

    Making ‘Cents’ of Workplace Safety Programs

    NIOSH Advice on Supporting an Aging Workforce

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Is Your Safety Program Effective? 10 Questions Every Safety Leader Should Ask

    Nov. 7, 2023

    Purposeful Presence: How Leaders Show Up to Amp Up Performance

    Nov. 7, 2023

    The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease

    Nov. 7, 2023

    Autopsy of an Injury Uncovering 18 Million Exposures in One Activity

    Nov. 7, 2023

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!

    I already have an account

    New

    Suicide Rates Hit Highest Level Ever in 2022

    OSHA Forms Alliance to Better Protect Crane Operators

    OSHA Violations, Citations and Inspections: What You’re Reading in November 2023

    Most Read

    So You Think You Know a Lot about OSHA? (Quiz)

    Ergonomic Risk Assessment: Quick Exposure Check

    OSHA Forms Alliance to Better Protect Crane Operators


    Sponsored

    Which Change Management Model Is the Best for Your Organization?

    Autopsy of an Injury Uncovering 18 Million Exposures in One Activity

    Medical Cannabis Laws: What Do They Mean for Workplace Safety?

    EHS Today
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/EHS-Today/66542218626?ref=ts
    https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4355311
    https://twitter.com/EHSToday
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Do Not Sell or Share
    • Privacy & Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    © 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
    Endeavor Business Media Logo