Effective hearing conservation requires a proactive and systematic approach. Here’s how safety professionals can protect workers from harmful noise exposure in the workplace:

1. Assess Noise Exposure Accurately

• Practical Safety and Health Solutions has decades of experience sampling for, analyzing, and reporting on employee noise level hazards
• Use the correct criteria for evaluating occupational noise.
• Review any historical exposure data to guide your strategy.
• Select appropriate monitoring equipment and ensure it’s used properly.

2. Collect & Analyze Noise Data

• Gather accurate noise exposure data across shifts and tasks.
• Interpret results to identify high-risk areas, processes, or individuals.
• Determine if supplemental testing, like octave band analysis, is needed.

3. Store & Share Exposure Data

• Organize data for easy access and analysis by authorized personnel.
• Share monitoring results and audiometric testing outcomes with employees, unions, and management.

4. Control Noise Hazards

• Collaborate with management, vendors, or consultants to explore engineering controls.
• Implement feasible solutions to reduce exposure at the source.

5. Ensure Proper Use of Hearing Protection

• Train and retrain employees on selecting, using, and maintaining hearing protection.
• Reinforce proper PPE use through regular supervision and feedback.

6. Monitor Hearing & Respond Promptly

• Conduct audiometric testing in full regulatory compliance.
• Report standard threshold shifts promptly and investigate root causes.
• Maintain comprehensive records for ongoing review and compliance.

7. Communicate & Educate

• Keep workers informed about noise hazards—on and off the job.
• Reinforce the value of hearing conservation through regular communication and engagement.

8. Reassess Regularly

• Reevaluate noise exposure whenever work processes, equipment, or schedules change.

Protecting employee hearing isn’t just a regulation—it’s a commitment to long-term health and productivity.

Need help surveying employee exposure to noise, setting up a practical hearing conservation program, or simplifying compliance tasks? Contact us or explore our safety management tools designed for professionals like you.