An informal stakeholder meeting to solicit comments and suggestions on occupational hearing loss prevention has been scheduled by OSHA. Slated for November 3, 2011 at the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Frances Perkins Building in Washington DC, this public meeting will provide a public forum to gather information on best practices for hearing conservation programs, PPE, and feasible engineering controls.
According to OSHA statistics, between 20,000 and 25,000 workers suffer from preventable hearing loss every year due to high workplace noise levels. Earlier this year, OSHA launched an education, outreach, and consultation initiative on preventing work-related hearing loss and committed to hosting a stakeholder meeting allowing employers, workers, noise control experts, and public health professionals to express their views on the issue.
In addition to hearing impairment and noise-induced hearing loss, employers and workers who do not address hearing conservation can also suffer from tinnitus (ringing, hissing, or booming noise/sensation in the ears), an increased risk of accidents, disruptions in speech communication, and work-related stress.
For more information on the upcoming issue, visit the Federal Register notice, or register online to attend.