The U.S. Department of Labor announced recently that it has renewed a Regional Emphasis Program to focus inspections in three mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia on industries with high levels of workplace noise, which can contribute to worker hearing loss.
A common workplace health concern, hearing loss can be permanent and debilitating. In fact, potential hearing loss is a hazard for about 22 million U.S. workers, the National Institute Occupational Safety and Health estimates. In 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found about 12,000 workers suffered work-related hearing loss with 9,700 of them workers employed in the manufacturing industry.
“Noise controls are the first line of prevention against permanent work-related hearing loss. By reducing noise levels even by a few decibels, employers can better protect employees, improve communication and stop excessive noise from distracting workers,” explained OSHA Regional Administrator Michael Rivera in Philadelphia.
Read the U.S. Dept. of Labor news release on regional program targeting workplace noise.
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