HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most common, untreatable but preventable occupational injury. Noise is defined as a loud, unwanted sound that causes disturbance to the ears. Data suggests that, over 11 million Canadians (42%) worked in noisy environments in 2012 or had done so in the past.
In Canada, the federal government, through the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires the (OHSA), employers to provide a safe working environment for the employees. An employer must take all reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of their employees at their workplace. Employers must do their due diligence to work with SAFE Work Manitoba to design and implement a hearing conservation program where it is needed.
Intrinsic Analytics offers the Hearing Conservation Program for employers that ensures all legislative and safety provisions are met as per the national standards. The Hearing Conservation Program requires the employees that are exposed to average noise of 85db or more during an 8 hour work shift to get a baseline audiometry testing performed followed by annual follow ups.
What is the Hearing Conservation Program?
Audiometry is a crucial element in the Hearing Conservation Program as it is the only way to determine if noise-induced hearing loss is occurring.
Intrinsic Analytics’ licensed Industrial Audiometric technicians provide periodic testing for companies with programs. Our audiometric tests are conducted in specially engineered sound proof booths to ensure acoustic integrity and produce the highest quality and reliability of testing. We use leading edge hearing conservation program software to provide our clients with easy to read reporting.
Additionally, we provide education on how to implement hearing conservation strategies at work. We often provide guidance to companies on the governmental reporting requirements that accompany such testing.
As part of the Hearing Conservation Program, Intrinsic Analytics conducts a yearly audit to ensure that each of the programs’ elements are being implemented correctly and efficiently based on current legislation, technologies and research.
What are the Elements of the Hearing Conservation Program?
- Hazard identification and exposure assessments
- Control methods
- Hearing protection devices (appropriate selection, maintenance and use)
- Audiometric testing
- Hazard communication, training, and continued education
- Recordkeeping
- Continuous program reviews
When should a Hearing Conservation Program be implemented?
- There is an alteration, renovation or repair of the workplace
- New equipment is introduced to the workplace
- Modifications are made to a work process
Also, a noise exposure assessment must be conducted if an employee provides their employer with evidence of occupationally induced hearing loss.Part 12 of the Manitoba Regulation 217/2006 Workplace Safety and Health Regulation states that employers must conduct a noise exposure assessment if employees are exposed to noise at their workplace greater than 80 dBA, or if any of the following may result in a significant change in an employee’s exposure to noise:
- There is an alteration, renovation or repair of the workplace
- New equipment is introduced to the workplace
- Modifications are made to a work process
How should noise exposure be controlled?
- Eliminating the hazard
- Engineering control
- Substitution of equipment
- Administrative controls
Audiometric Testing as part of the Program
Audiometry is a crucial element in the Hearing Conservation Program as it is the only way to determine if noise-induced hearing loss is occurring. For more information, click here
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is high noise considered harmful?
When the ear is exposed to high decibel sound for a long time, cilia (tiny hair cells) in the ear can get damaged. This reduces the signals being sent to the brain that eventually lead to reduced hearing. As the cells that produce cilia cannot be replaced or restored, the damage is permanent.
2. Should an employee be asked to get an audiometry test during their work hours?
No. Temporary Noise Induced Hearing Loss occurs after noise exposure therefore the audiograms should be done after the person has been noise free for atleast 14 hours.
3. As an employer, what measures should I keep in mind with regards to the hearing safety for my employees?
As an employer, here are some measures that you must keep in mind:
- Individuals working in safety sensitive areas must make sure that they wear hearing protection devices as per the recommendations of workplace rules.
- Individuals must make sure that the hearing protection devices fit them well, does not fall out or is loose. In any of these cases, the employer must hear them out and ensure that they have a well fitted hearing protection device.
- Employer must compile statistics on hearing thresholds during the shifts for all noise exposed employees. These comparisons help understand the effectiveness of the hearing conservation program and make changes accordingly.
4. What all industries must have a Hearing Conservation Program in place?
As per Safe Work Manitoba, industries that need audiometric testing include:
- Trades industry comprising of those working for heavy equipment stroke, asbestos exposure and electric shock
- Transportation industry comprising of those working for trucking, courier services, aviation, railway and warehousing
5. What is recommended for hazard communication?
If it is not possible to reduce the noise levels to or below the exposure limits, the employer should post warning signs at every approach to an area in the workplace. The warning signs can outline the following:
- Exceeds 80 dBA – marked with a “warning” sign identifying the range of noise levels
- Exceeds 85 dBA – marked with a “warning” sign along with instructions to wear single hearing protection device
- Exceeds 105 dBA – marked with a “warning” sign along with instructions to wear double hearing protection device
Contact Us
Intrinsic Analytics is Manitoba’s premier bioinformation services company. We provide personalized and customizable bioinformation and biochemical analysis for individuals, commercial enterprises and government agencies. We offer two main platforms, occupational health and personal health. In addition, we engage in health research aimed at developing new health related assays.