Implementing A Hearing Conservation Program At Work
Will you be hiring employees to work in your new warehouse that involves working around loud equipment on a regular basis? If any of your employees experience hearing problems due to the loud noise that they are exposed to, you can be held liable. Consider implementing a hearing conservation program for the safety of your employees, as it might even be required depending on state laws. You can avoid possibly getting sued by taking the measures to create a safer environment to work in. This article explains things that should be known about hearing conservation programs in the workplace.
Making a Hearing Conservation Program Mandatory
Don't hire any employees until you have a good hearing conservation program in place. Explain to each applicant that applies for a position that he or she will be required to undergo training in the program. There are numerous things that should be taught in regards to hearing and noise. For example, each of your employees should be shown how to properly protect their hearing in noisy environments, such as by wearing certain aids. The physiological effects that loud noise can cause is another thing that the program should focus on.
Keeping Records of Your Employees Hearing Condition
It is important to keep records of the condition of your employees hearing. The reason why is because it will give you a good idea in regards to whether or not they are complying with the hearing conservation program. Records will also be useful if you get into a legal case and get accused of being the reason why an employees suffers from hearing loss. The records will show that noise tests have been conducted in your warehouse, such checking each employees extent of noise exposure based on his or her job position. Audiograms should be conducted every now and then so the information can be recorded.
Providing Hearing Protection Aids to Employees
Don't ask your employees to bring their own hearing protection aids to work, unless they want to wear something specific. The wisest thing to do is to make the aids available free of charge to all of your employees. You can then ensure that the aids are of a high quality and can provide the greatest extent of protection against loud noises. For example, keep a supply of earplugs in your warehouse that employees can use during their work hours. You should also ensure that earmuffs are available, as they might be more comfortable if an employee doesn't want to physically place protection aids inside of his or her ears.
Contact a hearing clinic, like Audiology Consultants, P.C., for more help.
Share