Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common work-related condition in the United States. Each year, an estimated 22 million U.S. workers encounter noise exposures loud enough to be potentially hazardous. In addition to damaging workers’ quality of life, occupational hearing loss can carry a high economic price to society. Topper Industrial, the leader in the material handling equipment industry, recommend how noise-induced hearing loss can be avoided at the workplace.
Occupational hearing loss occurs as a result of workers’ exposure to loud noise. In fact, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that workers should not be exposed to noise at a level that amounts to more than 85 decibels (dBA) for 8 hours. The level of risk is influenced by several factors:
- Noise level – as noise level increases, the risk also increases
- Duration of exposure – the longer the noise lasts, the more hazardous it becomes
- Impulsiveness – noises that have very abrupt starts and stops (such as hammering, gunfire, or fireworks) are more dangerous than constant noise of the same overall level
- Intermittency – periods of relative quiet between exposures allow the ear to “rest” and reduce the risk
Develop a Hearing Loss Prevention Program
In order to minimize occupational risks and reduce work-related hearing loss, companies and organizations should consider implementing a Hearing Loss Prevention Program. Critical components to any Hearing Loss Prevention Program include:
- Noise exposure monitoring
- Engineering and administrative controls
- Audiometric evaluation
- Hearing protection devices
- Hearing protection: A practical step
Although removal or control of hazardous noise from the workplace is the best solution, hearing protectors should be used in situations where dangerous noise exposures have not yet been eliminated. NIOSH has developed tools that provide valuable information about hearing protection devices.
To read more, go to: http://bit.ly/2eTo72V
ErgoExpo and Topper Industrial:
Topper will exhibit at the National Ergonomics Conference and ErgoExpo at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from November 15-18, 2016. Topper Industrial will exhibit at booth 500.
Register to attend: http://ergoexpo.com/register.html
About Topper Industrial
For more than twenty years, Topper Industrial, (www.TopperIndustrial.com) based just outside of Milwaukee, WI, has been a leader in the material handling equipment industry. The company’s product roster features industrial carts, conveyors, lifts, lifts & tilts, shipping racks, containers, casters, and cart components. From mother-daughter carts to quad steer carts to tilt carts and rotate carts, Topper’s material handling solutions make delivering material line side more effective through more efficient practices. Topper Industrial has a team of experienced professional experts able to assess and provide the right product for all material handling equipment requirements.
Topper Industrial is a proud member of MHI. The Topper Industrial client roster includes Anderson Windows, Detroit Diesel, Honda, Kia Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Aramark, Johnson Controls, Whirlpool, and Caterpillar.
Follow on Twitter @TopperInd. Call 800-529-0909.
Media Contact
Company Name: Topper Industrial
Contact Person: Jillian Burrow, Marketing Manager
Email: pr@topperindustrial.com
Phone: 262-886-6931
Address:1729 NE Frontage Road
City: Sturtevant
State: Wisconsin
Country: United States
Website: www.topperindustrial.com