HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM 2
Establishing and Implementing an Effective Hearing Conservation Program
Unwanted sound is one of the most predominant challenges facing occupational health in
the manufacturing sector. Depending on the degree of exposure and the intensity of such noise,
the high waves can lead to hearing loss and other associated effects. That is the primary reason
why OSHA has formulated a hearing conservation program upon which all employers who are
covered by the industry standards of 29 CFR 1950 are expected to comply.
Such employers should identify workers who are exposed to a noise level which is above
85dB over an eight-hour time-weighted average and then choose a monitoring method that will
best suit such employees (OSHA, 2002). According to this program, all employees are entitled to
audiometric testing at no cost to detect if they are at risk of damaging their hearing. However, the
instruments used to monitor workers’ exposure to noise must be regularly calibrated to ensure
that they take the appropriate readings (OSHA, 2002). After testing, all the workers who are
exposed to high noise levels should be provided with hearing protectors which they are expected
to wear for at least six months from the period of exposure.
To ensure that such programs bear results, it is essential that the organization provides
regular training to its workers on the need to protect their hearing. With such knowledge, they
will be motivated to take audiometric tests and also wear protectors whenever they are required
(OSHA, 2002). If the firm is experiencing any challenges while conducting such consultation
programs, it is advisable that they get in touch with OSHA who has been consistent in offering
voluntary workplace consultations.
