3M Center for Hearing Conservation Launches

Created by audiologists and occupational health and safety specialists at 3M™ (St. Paul, MN), the 3M Center for Hearing Conservation can help job shops, contract manufacturers, metal service centers and OEMs as they work to ensure that legal requirements are met and that workers remain engaged and motivated. “We have known for decades that exposure to high noise causes hearing damage over time,” said Dr. Laurie Wells, a doctor of audiology at 3M. “However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are tens of thousands of work-related cases of noise-induced hearing loss reported each year. There are solutions, but it can be challenging for employers to develop effective preventive programs. With the Center for Hearing Conservation, we are providing health and safety managers additional tools and resources to help prevent hearing damage within the workplace.”

The center outlines seven elements based on OSHA requirements and NIOSH recommendations to help guide occupational health and safety professionals as they work to create and maintain a hearing conservation program:

• Measure
• Control
• Protect
• Check
• Train
• Record
• Evaluate

The center joins the ranks of a number of online resources provided by the 3M Personal Safety Division, including:

• Center for Respiratory Protection
• Safety Now & Next Blog
• Silica Tool Kit

3m.com/CHC