Stricter guidelines and regulations are now being enforced by the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (29CFR1910.95). OSHA requires an effective Hearing Conservation Program for industries with employees exposed to excessive noise levels that reach or exceed 85 dB, TWA (8 hrs time weighted average). OSHA reports that 5.2 mm American workers in the manufacturing industries are exposed to noise levels of 85 decibels and above.
Excessive noise levels are potentially hazardous to workers and result in moderate to severe hearing impairment and harmful health effects. The extent of the damage depends on the intensity of the noise and the duration of the exposures. Worker noise induced hearing loss is considered an occupational disease rather that an injury because it's progression is gradual. However, a worker that is exposed to an explosion or loud manufacturing equipment can suffer an acoustic trauma injury.
OSHA's hearing conservation program intent is to protect workers that may experience significant occupational noise exposures over their working career. AHC's Industrial Hearing Testing Program and Audiological services are offered in the Henderson office and in our mobile testing unit. Our comprehensive program ensures company management that their operation will comply with OSHA's regulations and safety standards.
