DOL Renews Regional Emphasis Program Targeting Workplace Noise
The program targets manufacturers throughout the Mid-Atlantic United States.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Nov 29, 2023
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has extended a Regional Emphasis Program (REP) aimed at reducing workplace noise—and preventing worker hearing loss—for a new five-year term. The initiative focuses on manufacturers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.
“Noise controls are the first line of prevention against permanent work-related hearing loss. By reducing noise levels even by a few decibels, employers can better protect employees, improve communication and stop excessive noise from distracting workers,” OSHA Regional Administrator Michael Rivera in Philadelphia said in a statement.
“We renewed our Regional Emphasis Program for High-Level Noise to continue to remind manufacturing industry employers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the District of Columbia that federal safety standards for noise protection must be followed to protect workers from unnecessary and potentially permanent harm,” Rivera added.
The renewed REP expands its focus to include additional manufacturing sectors identified as high risk for noise exposure. These sectors include sawmills and wood preservation, other wood manufacturing, and ornamental and architectural metal products. OSHA mandates employers implement a hearing conservation program when the average noise exposure over eight working hours reaches or exceeds 85 decibels and provides hearing conservation guidelines.
OSHA’s Philadelphia Region will host a discussion on the Noise REP on Dec. 13, 2023 at 1p.m Easter. Interested parties can register for the session online.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.