Safety 2009 Proceedings

656 Can You Hear Me Now? Articulating Noise Assessments & Hearing Loss

Instructor: Louise E. Vallee, CSP, CIH, CPE, Whitehouse Station, NJ
Kristin M. Bota, CSP, Dallas, TX
Michael J. Ruddy, CSP, Indianapolis, IN
Chubb Group of Insurance Companies

Description: OSHA estimates that 30 million American employees are exposed to noisy workplaces. Noise assessments are the most common industrial hygiene consultation conducted. While noise-induced hearing loss can be reduced or eliminated through hearing conservation programs and engineering controls, the incidence of noise induced workers’ compensation claims is increasing due to more stringent 2003 OSHA standard 1910.95 threshold shift reporting requirements. Lack of understanding of exposure monitoring and audiometric test results follow up may result in the potential for hearing loss being addressed less effectively than possible. Case studies and a best practice action checklist are provided to assist hearing loss prevention.

Level: B I