Mhe 510 Occupational Health and Safety
TOURO UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL
MICHAEL REXROAD
❖
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
MHE 510
CASE ASSIGNMENT MODULE THREE
Dr. Heidi D. Sato
Dr. Larry Hoff
2 June 2010
Introduction: The problem of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) has been an ongoing issue in the industrial environment. Even with the best hearing loss prevention program the human factor, or non-compliance is the primary reason for this issue. The worker can be given periodic training in the causes and prevention of irreversible hearing loss, supervisors can be vigilant in ensuring that workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment in noise environments, and periodic audiometric exams can be performed to monitor individual hearing levels. However, for whatever reason an individual chooses to not, or repeatedly “forget” to wear hearing protection over time damage will occur. That being taken into consideration, an individual may be the most conscientious worker that conforms to all occupational and industrial health guidelines while on the clock only to ignore everything he has learned concerning hearing conservation while partaking in his personal life. Factors to consider in determining that a workplace Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) exists:
Exposure in the workplace: Hearing protection has been found to reduce the risks associated with loud noise. However, many people do not wear them. Reasons can include discomfort, safety concerns, design, lack of knowledge related to noise-induced hearing loss, and peer pressure. These barriers exist even when individuals perceive themselves to be at risk for hearing loss (Daniel.2007). Our worker may fall into a category that he believes doesn’t require hearing protection because he is outside and only exposed to short intervals of intensive noise. However, these attributes of his work environment distinctly place him in a group with the utmost need
MICHAEL REXROAD
❖
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
MHE 510
CASE ASSIGNMENT MODULE THREE
Dr. Heidi D. Sato
Dr. Larry Hoff
2 June 2010
Introduction: The problem of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) has been an ongoing issue in the industrial environment. Even with the best hearing loss prevention program the human factor, or non-compliance is the primary reason for this issue. The worker can be given periodic training in the causes and prevention of irreversible hearing loss, supervisors can be vigilant in ensuring that workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment in noise environments, and periodic audiometric exams can be performed to monitor individual hearing levels. However, for whatever reason an individual chooses to not, or repeatedly “forget” to wear hearing protection over time damage will occur. That being taken into consideration, an individual may be the most conscientious worker that conforms to all occupational and industrial health guidelines while on the clock only to ignore everything he has learned concerning hearing conservation while partaking in his personal life. Factors to consider in determining that a workplace Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) exists:
Exposure in the workplace: Hearing protection has been found to reduce the risks associated with loud noise. However, many people do not wear them. Reasons can include discomfort, safety concerns, design, lack of knowledge related to noise-induced hearing loss, and peer pressure. These barriers exist even when individuals perceive themselves to be at risk for hearing loss (Daniel.2007). Our worker may fall into a category that he believes doesn’t require hearing protection because he is outside and only exposed to short intervals of intensive noise. However, these attributes of his work environment distinctly place him in a group with the utmost need
References: Eileen Daniel. (2007). Noise and Hearing Loss: A Review. The Journal of School Health, 77(5), 225-31. Retrieved June 1, 2010, from ProQuest Medical Library. (Document ID: 1264044291). Ross, P.. (2007). Hearing Conservation: Effectively preventing noise-induced hearing loss. Professional Safety, 52(6), 52-59. Retrieved June 1, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1479855401). Stephen A Fausti, Debra J Wilmington, Patrick V Helt, Wendy J Helt, & Dawn Konrad-Martin. (2005). Hearing health and care: The need for improved hearing loss prevention and hearing conservation practices. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development: Supplement 2: Scientific/Technical Articles, 42(4), 45-62. Retrieved June 2, 2010, from ProQuest Medical Library. (Document ID: 998956541).