| TRA Press Room | |||
|
NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC |
Brad Witt Click on image to download 300 dpi JPG |
||
|
Carrot More Effective Than Stick In Hearing Conservation Efforts -- Leading Industrial Audiologist Brad Witt says motivation is key in preventing noise induced hearing loss Smithfield, RI -- "The word 'motivation' does not appear in OSHA's regulations on hearing conservation," says industrial audiologist Brad Witt in his frequent presentations to safety professionals. "But the safety-savvy employer will know motivation is the keystone to preventing noise-induced hearing loss. Motivated employees take responsibility for protecting their hearing both on and off-the-job, rather than just viewing hearing protectors as a workplace compliance issue." Witt, who is Audiology and Regulatory Affairs Manager for Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC, tells his audiences that there are three ways to instill the level of risk awareness that motivates workers to take proper defensive action by wearing their hearing protectors. "First," he says, "is to dispel their illusion of invulnerability." When it comes to ignoring hazardous noise, it's not only the young who feel invulnerable. Even seasoned workers will claim that the loud noise does not bother them because they are accustomed to the noise, Witt explains. But while the brain may grow accustomed to constant noise, "anatomically, the ears can never 'toughen up' against hazardous noise. Ears respond by losing hearing." Dispelling the illusion can be done in several ways, Witt explains. One of the most effective is to show workers exactly how noise affects them. "Several studies have found that the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss drops significantly when workers are provided a copy of their annual audiometric tests, with an explanation of the results. It is hard to argue with an objective test that historically shows the progression of hearing loss from year to year." Demonstrating "future risk" is the second method Witt suggests for bringing home the need for hearing protection. "We live in a culture of the 'here and now,'" he says, "but noise-induced hearing loss displays no visible signs of injury and typically develops over years of exposure." Many employers use audio demonstrations to simulate hearing loss, so that the worker has a clear understanding of the future risk and the need for adequate protection today. Another effective tool is to have employees talk to older workers who have suffered hearing loss and regret their disregard for hearing protection. The third motivating tool Witt recommends is to remove the barriers to wearing hearing protection. "This can be as simple as ensuring an adequate supply of earplugs by installing dispensers," says Witt, "but oftentimes the barriers run deeper." Studies have shown that workers resist wearing hearing protection if the devices are not comfortable, or if they interfere with communication and job performance. "It is hard to blame workers for being dissatisfied with their hearing protectors when the only choices offered are earplugs that overprotect and isolate the worker," says Witt. "Hearing protectors are now available that address workers' concerns of overprotection and communication interference. Earplugs offer different attenuation ratings (NRRs) for different noise levels; others are made of special high-tech material that conforms to the shape of the wearer's ear canal. Several earplugs and earmuffs have been designed to maximize communication through uniform attenuation, allowing wearers to hear important sounds more naturally while still protecting from harmful noise levels. Electronic earmuffs can also enhance communication by amplifying ambient sounds (including speech and warning signals) to a safe level, while protecting against louder, more damaging noise." "Unlike other occupational injuries, noise-induced hearing loss causes no pain or visible trauma," says Witt. "It is unnoticeable in its earliest stages, and generally takes years to diagnose. By showing these workers their susceptibility to noise damage, demonstrating the future risk, and removing the barriers to proper wearing of hearing protection, an employer invests in a workforce that takes responsibility for their own hearing protection, both on and off-the-job." Since its beginnings as a one-man operation more than 30 years ago, Howard Leight by Sperian has grown into one of the largest global manufacturers of hearing protectors in the industrial market and the recognized innovator in protection and people-oriented fit. Howard Leight offers the widest variety of hearing protection devices and technology, ranging from the highest attenuating Max® single-use earplug, to SmartFit® earplugs with Conforming Material Technology(TM) -- which delivers a more personalized fit -- to VeriPRO(TM), the new industry-changing fit verification system for hearing protectors. Utilizing Bilsom® Technology, Howard Leight earmuffs raise the bar on innovative design, performance and comfort, with features like padded wire headbands, high-visibility designs, unique sound management technologies and multi-level attenuation options. Visit Howard Leight online at http://www.howardleight.com With nearly 6000 employees worldwide, Sperian Protection is resolutely geared towards international markets. The world leader in personal protective equipment (hearing, eye, respiratory and fall protection, gloves, clothing and footwear), the Group offers innovative products adapted to high-risk environments so that all workers in the manufacturing and services industries can work with confidence. Sperian Protection is listed on Euronext's Eurolist and on the SBF120. For additional information, contact: Photo Caption ref: HSG8009.rv1007 |
|||
Home | TRA Press Room | Portfolio | Services | TRA Advisor | About TRA | e-mail Us