On June 14, OSHA’s regional office in Chicago announced the establishment of a
Regional Emphasis Program (REP) in Region 5 to reduce workplace dangers and promote hearing conservation programs among Midwest manufacturing employers.
The Problem
According to the
press release, OSHA requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program when the average noise exposure reaches or exceeds 85 decibels. Yet nearly one in 10 people endure noise levels at work loud enough to cause hearing loss while seven in 10 experience moderately loud noise levels, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while, at the same time, more than half reported not using PPE to protect their hearing.
What Does the REP Cover?
The new regional REP’s first phase will include informational mailings to employers, professional associations, local survey councils, apprenticeship programs, local hospitals and occupational health clinics as well as OSHA presentations to industry organizations and stakeholders. Employers are encouraged to use the agency’s free consultation services to help them implement noise safety strategies and ensure compliance with OSHA standards.
OSHA wants employers to take the necessary steps to identify, reduce and eliminate hazards related to high levels of noise in the REP’s initial 3 month phase. After that, REP also empowers OSHA to schedule and inspect select manufacturing industries in the region that includes Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin with hearing loss rates that are higher than the national average.
How can Cornerstone Help?
Cornerstone Environmental, Health and Safety offers a comprehensive suite of Industrial Hygiene Services to assist clients in keeping their workers safe and healthy, including conducting personal noise monitoring or providing an area sound level survey and mapping, using data-logging, 3M Edge 5 noise dosimeters or a 3M Soundpro sound level meter.
Contact us now to ensure your facility's compliance with the REP before the OSHA inspectors appear in your lobby. Email us at info@corner-enviro.com or submit a request on our website
https://www.cornerstone-ehs.com/contact-us/.