Monday and Tuesday we talked about eye protection. Today, we turn to the important subject of hearing conservation.
The inaugural Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards were awarded in 2009 by NIOSH and the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) to four U.S. employers that "have shown their dedication to the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss through excellent hearing loss prevention practices in the work environment."
The objectives of the award are to recognize measurable achievements in hearing conservation programs, and to obtain and disseminate information about real-world success stories.
The awards recognize those that demonstrate, by example, the benefits of developing or following good hearing loss prevention practices. Applicants are evaluated against key performance indicators in each of three work sectors—manufacturing, construction, and services.
From emergency action to infection control, the Easy Workplace Safety Program has detailed plans for 20 specific safety procedures. Find out more.
It’s estimated that over 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job, and an additional 9 million are at risk of hearing loss from other agents such as solvents and metals.
Meet the Award Winners
Dotmar Paper Company, Kingsport Mill, Tennessee. Dotmar manufactures a wide range of fine paper products. The award sponsors say that it was recognized for the comprehensive integration of its workplace hearing loss prevention program and a demonstrated commitment to extend hearing conservation practices beyond the workplace into recreational and community activities enjoyed by workers and their families.
Montgomery Country Water Services, Ohio. Although public employers in Ohio don’t fall under the purview of OSHA or the state’s safety and health agency, MCWS nevertheless proactively addresses each of the components of an effective hearing conservation program, often extending beyond minimum regulatory requirements. MCWS was recognized for aiming for excellence and developing innovative strategies for addressing the variable work routine of its noise-exposed workers and for promoting the active involvement of its workforce in its safety and health efforts.
Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford Facility, Connecticut. Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies company, is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and support of aircraft engines, gas turbines, and space propulsion systems. Pratt & Whitney was recognized for the comprehensive approach taken to prevent hearing loss among employees, for its exceptional commitment to noise control, and for actively involving employees in safety efforts.
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Sensaphonics Hearing Conservation, Inc., Illinois. Sensaphonics serves the hearing needs of the music industry and other industries that rely on high-impact audio products. Sensaphonics was recognized for being a pioneer in combining products, audiology services, and education to reach its hearing loss prevention goals. The company was also recognized for its culture of innovation and educational outreach, and for having raised awareness of the importance of hearing conservation among audiologists, the music industry, and the general public.
Tomorrow we’ll talk about how you, too, can develop an award-winning hearing conservation program.
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