An assessment of the hearing conservation practices at Company XYZ

by Lor, Xiongmee Yang.

Lor Xiongmee Y. (Author)(Last Name) (First Name) (Middle Initial) (Title) Noise Monitoring at Company XYZ Risk Control Dr. Brian Finder December, 2005 41 (Graduate Program) (Research Advisor) (MonthjY ear) (# of Pages) American Psvchological Association, 5 " edition (Name of Style Manual Used in this Study) This research paper assessed the hearing conservation practices at Company XYZ's metal fabrication facility. The goals of this study were to collect and assess the current noise levels that exist within the production areas of Company XYZ, identify the extent that the current personal protective equipment used by the employees at Company XYZ was able to adequately protect their hearing, determine the extent that employees are complying with the current hearing conservation policy as set forth by Company XYZ, and to identify the extent that employees have been trained on the proper use of hearing protection devices. This study was performed using noise dosimeters to assess the noise levels generated from metal fabrication processes. Casual observations were made as to how many employees were wearing hearing protection devices by tallying those who were wearing the hearing protectors over the total number of employees seen. The results were presented in percentage form. The results of the monitoring indicated that the noise levels within Company XYZ's manufacturing areas averaged between 59dB and 89dB (L- Average in the tables). The peak levels ranged from 112dB to 145dB indicating that the impact noise can reach very high levels which are the sounds most damaging to the ears. Training was provided by a contractor which entailed watching a brief video about the delicate cells and functions of the ear. The video also discussed the importance of wearing hearing protectors and the process of the audiometric tests. One strong point that video emphasized was the fact that only individual employees can protect their hearing through wearing their hearing protection devices. The type of hearing protection devices used by the employees consisted of foam earplugs. These came in the form of canal caps and un-corded disposable earplugs. Their noise reduction rating (NRR) ranged from 23 to 33. In a comprehensive review of the process of this research, it was discovered that employee compliance levels were low due to the fact that there was a lack of enforcement. Recommendations included taking disciplinary actions on those employees not wearing hearing protection devices, have hands-on training, and perform a more thorough noise monitoring analysis that would encompass the entire working shift.