Protecting workers from hearing impairment

Objectives To train employees on the Hearing Conservation Program and the testing requirements for all employees exposed to high noise levels in the workplace To discuss possible warning signs of hearing loss and proper employee PPE use SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Background OSHA’s Hearing Conservation Program is designed to protect workers with significant occupational noise exposure from hearing impairment even if they are subject to such exposure over their entire working lifetimes SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Background Sustained 85-decibel noise can damage hearing Employees with this exposure must have annual training on the following: The purpose of audiometric testing The importance of hearing protectors How to use hearing protectors properly SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Noise exposure Noise-induced hearing loss can be temporary or permanent Temporary Short-term noise exposure Normal hearing returns after period of rest SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Noise exposure Noise-induced hearing loss can be temporary or permanent Permanent Prolonged exposure to high noise levels over a period of time can cause permanent damage SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Noise exposure Other possible effects from noise exposure and hearing loss Difficulty concentrating Absenteeism Stress Muscle tension Ulcers Increased blood pressure Hypertension SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Warning signs Noise may be a problem in your workplace if: You hear ringing or humming in your ears after you leave work You have to shout to be heard by a co-worker an arm's length away You experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work or have headaches SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Noise monitoring The Hearing Conservation Program requires employers to monitor noise exposure levels in a way that accurately identifies employees exposed to noise at or above 85 decibels (dB) averaged over 8 working hours, or an 8-hour time- weighted average (TWA) SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Audiometric testing Monitors an employee’s hearing over time Provides an opportunity for employers to educate employees about their hearing and the need to protect it SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Audiometric testing Program includes: Baseline audiograms Annual audiograms Training SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Audiometric testing Audiometric testing must be available at no cost to all employees who are exposed to an action level of 85 dB or above, measured as an 8-hour TWA Two types of audiograms required in the hearing conservation program: Baseline Annual SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Baseline audiogram The first audiogram against which future audiograms are compared Employers must provide within 6 months of an employee’s first exposure Exception: when employer uses a mobile test van for audiograms, the baseline audiograms must be completed within 1 year SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Annual audiogram Annual audiograms must be provided within 1 year of baseline audiogram Annual tests identify deterioration in hearing ability as early as possible SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Annual audiogram Employers must compare annual audiograms to baseline audiograms to determine whether: the audiogram is valid the employee has lost hearing ability or experienced a standard threshold shift (STS) SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Training Annual training for employees exposed to TWAs of 85 dB and above Effects of noise Advantages and disadvantages of various types of hearing protectors Proper selection, fit, and care of protectors Purpose and procedures of audiometric testing SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Protection/prevention Employers must provide hearing protectors to all workers exposed to 8-hour TWA noise levels of 85 dB or above Ensures that employees have access to protectors before they experience any hearing loss SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Protection/prevention The best way to prevent hearing loss it is to wear hearing protection when working around loud noises Earplugs Earmuffs Other hearing protection SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Protection/prevention Stuffing cotton in your ears will not protect from hearing loss One of the first signs of hearing loss may be a ringing in your ears Ringing, hissing, roaring, whistling, or chirping sounds are called “tinnitus” Notify your supervisor if you have this issue SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Using foam earplugs When earplugs are dry, roll each one between your fingertips so the thin part of the earplug is rolled into a thinner tube Gently place the earplugs into your ears, and press carefully SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Using foam earplugs Don't press too hard or push the earplugs all the way into your ears Sit for several seconds until the earplugs expand to fill the rest of your ears To remove the earplugs, gently pull on the tip, which is usually slightly larger than the rest of the earplug SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Review Employees must be protected from hearing loss by their employers Hearing loss could be permanent and irreversible Employees need to wear hearing protection to prevent any future hearing loss SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.