Thinkstock
Image

Hear and Now: DOL Wants to Hear about Noise Reduction Innovations

Aug. 2, 2016
Agency in conjunction with OSHA, Mine Safety and Health Administration and NIOSH launch Noise Safety Challenge to encourage workplace safety innovation.

The Department of Labor has launched a new competition called the "Hear and Now – Noise Safety Challenge" to address workplace noise exposure and related hearing loss.

Investors and entrepreneurs are being encouraged to develop a technological solution to hearing-related workplace noise hazards which costs businesses an estimated $242 million annually in workers’ compensation. 

The dual goal of this competition, which is a partnership between OSHA, Mine Safety and Health Administration, and NIOSH, is to inspire creative ideas and raise business awareness of the market for workplace safety innovation.

Idea submissions are due by September 30. Ten finalists will be invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges on Oct. 27 in Washington D.C. The event will feature investors, representatives of the NIOSH Research to Practice Program and representatives of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The competition is open to all ideas related to occupational hearing protection. Suggested topics include:

  • Technology that will enhance employer training and improve effective use of hearing protection.
  • Technology that alerts workers when hearing protection is not blocking enough noise to prevent hearing loss.
  • Technology that allows workers to hear important alerts or human voices while remaining protected from harmful noise. 

More information and a link to submit ideas can be found at https://www.dol.gov/featured/hearing

The competition is open to the general public, including OSHA contractors and special government employees. However, employees of federal OSHA, “state plan” states and on-site consultation programs are not eligible.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 23, 2025
With the right workplace health and safety training, your organization can reduce risk and protect your employees.
June 23, 2025
This article covers the key steps to build a reliable SDS management program, from organizing your inventory and sourcing updated SDS to ensuring easy access and regular maintenance...
June 23, 2025
It's time to get a bit more granular and start to examine the types of metrics EHS departments should be tracking, starting with lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR).
June 23, 2025
With the number of lone workers on the rise, here are five facts every employer should know about lone working.

Voice your opinion!

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