The list of OHSA’s top 10 willful violations for fiscal year 2015 has been posted, and Occupational Noise Exposure is ranked #10.
While this puts it at the bottom of the list, after fall protection, asbestos and excavations, we aren’t surprised it made the Top 10.
According to an article posted by the United States Department of Labor, “Noise-related hearing loss has been listed as one of the most prevalent occupational health concerns in the United States for more than 25 years.”
OSHA defines a “willful” violation as one committed with an intentional disregard of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
This means workers are choosing not follow OSHA standards and are knowingly exposing themselves to dangerous noise levels.
Perhaps this is because workers do not know or understand the severity of the damage caused by this exposure.
Exposure to high levels of noise can lead to permanent hearing loss that cannot be fixed with surgery or hearing aids.
If you’re looking to protect against hazardous noise exposure, start by determining your level of exposure with area and personal noise surveys, using a 3M personal noise dosimeter and area sound level meter.
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RAECO-LIC LLC is the authorized 3M representative in the Midwest United States.
