OSHA is extending until March 21, 2011 the comment period on interpretation of parts of its noise standard.
The action is titled Interpretation of OSHAs Provisions for Feasible Administrative or Engineering Controls of Occupational Noise. It was published in the Oct. 19 Federal Register. Those interested may submit comments electronically by March 21 to: http://www.regulations.gov.
Thousands of workers continue to suffer preventable hearing loss each year due to high workplace noise levels. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that since 2004, more than 125,000 workers have suffered significant, permanent hearing loss. In 2008, BLS reported 22,000 cases. (WCxKit)
OSHAs proposal seeks to make enforcement of the hearing conservation standard consistent with other regulations by clarifying the term “feasible administrative or engineering controls.”
OSHA says its current enforcement policy for noise exposures less than 100 decibels does not accurately reflect the rules requirement that feasible controls be used as the primary way to reduce noise exposure. (WCxKit)
Instead, OSHA has allowed employers to rely on a hearing conservation program. But the agency says hearing protection alone cannot prevent hearing loss and that administrative or engineering controls must be used.
Author Rebecca Shafer, JD, President of Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. is a national expert in the field of workers compensation. She is a writer, speaker and website publisher. Her expertise is working with employers to reduce workers compensation costs, and her clients include airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing.
Contact: RShafer@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
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