Protecting Workers from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
- Expo Session Related Topic -
“Protecting Workers from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss”
Being in compliance with the Cal/OSHA (or Federal OSHA) noise regulations does not always prevent work-related hearing loss or a workers’ compensation claim. That’s because research indicates that the current regulations simply aren’t protective enough. Cal/OSHA’s noise regulations have a permissible noise exposure level (PEL) of 90 dBA (decibels, A-weighted) for 8 hours. The regulations also set an “action level” of 85 dBA. When employees are exposed above this action level, the employer must implement a hearing conservation program that includes annual hearing tests to determine if employees have experienced a hearing loss.
There are two deficiencies with the current regulations that put employees at risk. First, the Cal/OSHA PEL and action level are not protective enough. Secondly, some industries (most notably construction and agriculture) are exempt from having a hearing conservation program. Without annual hearing tests, a worker may not notice (or bring to the attention of the employer) a hearing loss until it become debilitating. Once hearing is lost, the damage is permanent.
Thee are guidelines for employers that protect employees from the damaging effects of occupational noise. One of these is the threshold limit value (TLV) set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Another is the recommended exposure limit (REL) set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Both guidelines recommend an exposure limit of 85 dBA for an 8-hour workday.
Not only do ACGIH and NIOSH guidelines lower the exposure limit to 85 dBA, they also lower what is the “exchange rate” from 5 dBA to 3dBA. When the sound level increases by the ecibel value of the exchange rate, the allowed duration is halved. In other words, Cal/OSHA allows an employee to be exposed to 90 DBA for 8-hours, 100 dBA for 4-hours, etc., while ACGIH and NIOSH recommendations allow 85 dBA for 8-hours, 88 dBA for 4 hours, etc. That’s quite a difference between what’s allowable under the law and what’s considered protective. In addition, NIOSH and ACGIH recommendations for annual hearing tests do not exempt any industries.
If you want to save workers from the debilitating effects of hearing loss, and prevent costly workers’ compensation claims, protect your employees byfollowing the ACGIH or NIOSH guidelines.
Source: Safety News, State Compensation Insurance Fund; Issue Three, 2009. Mary Jo Jensen CIH, CSP, is a Certified Industrial Hygienist assigned to State Fund’s Sacramento and Redding Districts.
John Doyle with 3M Western Regional conducted three workshops at the 2009 Safety Expo and were all very well attended. John is the 3M Western Regional hearing Conservation Specialist. His products and presentation received very high evaluations from contractors in his sessions who stated “…the word quiz was good”, “great job”, “Good Demos”, and “Doyle’s workshop…’exceeded expectation’”. We have invited John Doyle back in 2010 for the 6th Annual Statewide Safety Training and Construction Management Expo; March 30, 31, April 1, 2010. For more information go to www.sacsafetyexpo.com
