Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/973524
24 PalletCentral • March-April 2018 palletcentral.com • Engineering: reduce worker exposure to the hazard through controls such as isolation (sound-buffering booths), enclosures (noise attenuation barriers, sound walls, or windows), and ventilation (to reduce levels of chemicals in the air); and • Work practice and administrative controls: Operate noisy equipment when the fewest number of workers are present, or rotate workers between noisy and quieter tasks to mitigate overall noise exposure during a workshift. In addition, regular maintenance of tools and equipment, and reducing vibration where feasible, can assist in minimizing noise exposures. Hearing loss prevention begins with utilization of an effective hearing conservation program. The seven key elements of a HCP are: measure (conduct sampling for noise and chemical exposures that may affect hearing); control (reduce noise and chemical exposures at the source where they cannot be eliminated completely); protect, check, train, record and evaluate. This includes furnishing workers with training and appropriate PPE, as well as health screening and audiometric exams annually. PC SAFETY Adele L. Abrams is an attorney and safety professional who represents companies in litigation with OSHA and also provides safety training and consultation. The Law Office of Adele L. Abrams PC has three offices: Beltsville, MD; Denver, CO; and Charleston, WV. Adele can be reached at 301-595-3520 or www.safety-law.com. OSHA FREE ON-SITE CONSULTATION HELPS EMPLOYERS CREATE SAFER WORKPLACES. OSHA provides a free and confidential safety and occupational health advice program to small and medium-sized businesses across the country. According to OSHA, these services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. https://bit.ly/1LUboY8 OSHA QUICKTAKES NEWSLETTER. Free OSHA e-newsletter delivered twice monthly direct to your mailbox. Receive the latest news about OSHA initiatives and products to help employers and workers in finding and preventing workplace hazards. https://bit.ly/1qF1fUe OSHA LIBRARY (BY TOPIC, BY TYPE, BILINGUAL). Search OSHA's library of documents by topic or type, such as fact sheets, guidance documents, alerts, pocket guides, posters, etc. Many of these publications are also available in various languages. https://bit.ly/1TNfUd4 Resources