Implementing an Effective Hearing Conservation Program

Loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss and contribute to workplace accidents and injuries by making it difficult for workers to hear warning signals.

An effective hearing conservation program must be implemented by construction employers when exposures exceed 90 dBA for an eight-hour exposure. Key elements of an effective hearing conservation program include:

• Workplace noise sampling, which identifies employees at risk from hazardous levels of noise.
• Informing workers who are exposed to hazardous noise levels of the results of their noise monitoring.
• Maintaining a worker audiometric testing program (hearing tests).
• Proper selection of hearing protection based upon individual fit and manufacturer's quality testing.
• Training that ensures the workers are aware of the hazards from excessive noise exposures and how to properly use the protective equipment that has been provided.