You may need to implement a Hearing Conservation Program. The purpose of a hearing conservation program is to prevent hearing loss which frequently occurs gradually over time without anyone realizing an injury is occurring. Hearing can be damaged suddenly, but most industrial hearing loss takes place due to long term exposure. Once hearing is lost, the damage cannot be corrected. Hearing loss is incredibly common in certain industries; it is also preventable with administrative and engineering controls, personal protective equipment and employee training.
OSHA requires that an employer take action if sound levels meet or exceed the action level of 85 decibels on average over an 8 hour period. The action level is based both on how loud the noise is and how long a person is exposed to that level of sound. For example, a louder sound level exposure can be sustained for a shorter time period before action must be taken.
To determine if the action level is exceeded, a noise survey is often completed. Signs that your workplace likely needs a hearing conservation plan include employees complaining of ringing or humming in their ears or temporary hearing loss when leaving work and the need to shout or speak loudly to be heard in the workplace. If you have noticed any of these signs, take action.
If you need a Hearing Conservation Program, the following elements are required: - Monitor noise exposure levels.
- Implement controls to reduce sound levels when possible (engineering, administrative or work practices.)
- Provide hearing protection when controls are not adequate or feasible.
- Train employees.
- Provide baseline and annual audiometric testing of affected employees.
- Set procedures to prevent further occupational hearing loss when/if it has been identified.
- Maintain records.
In addition to preventing hearing loss, you may find that taking action prevents accidents. According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, the likelihood of accidents can be increased by noise when it:
- Impedes hearing or understanding of either speech or signals.
- Is so loud that workers can’t hear approaching equipment or back up alarms.
- Becomes a distraction.
- Increases stress levels.