OSHA Launches Noise Safety Challenge
The Hear and Now campaign challenges entrepreneurs to develop a solution to noise exposure and hearing loss.
The Labor Department and OSHA are challenging entrepreneurs to develop solutions for preventing workplace hearing loss, with the "Hear and Now – Noise Safety Challenge," they announced recently.
According to OSHA, 22 million workers risk losing their hearing from workplace hazards every year, while hearing loss disability costs $242 million annually in worker's compensation.
Suggested topics for ideas were listed as: technology that will enhance training and improve the use of hearing protection, technology that alerts workers when hearing protection is not blocking enough noise, and technology that allows workers to hear important alerts or human voices while remaining protected.
Submissions are due by Sept. 30. Ten finalists will pitch their ideas on Oct. 27 in Washington, D.C. More information and a link to submit ideas can be found at https://www.dol.gov/featured/hearing.