 Hearing conservation articles:
The Crisis in Occupational Hearing Conservation in America
By George Cook, Au.D., CCC-A
Occupational hearing conservation programs in America were healthier in 2002. Recent changes in OSHA regulations and OSHA enforcement policies have resulted in a significant decrease in hearing conservation activities in America. Hundreds of thousands of employees who were in a hearing conservation program in the past are being excluded today. Companies are fearful of increased incidence rates and look for every avenue to reduce possible Standard Threshold Shift recordables.
Ototoxic Drugs, Chemicals, and Heavy Metals in the Workplace
By George Cook, Au.D., CCC-A
An estimated 15,000 to 160,000 drugs, chemicals and/or heavy metals may be toxic to the senses. Ototoxic substances are estimated to be between 5,200 and 56,000 agents. Possibly 75% of the ototoxic drugs have a low occurrence ototoxic effect of 1 or 2 per 1,000. Another 22% have a moderate ototoxic effect and that approximately 3% have a high occurrence of 20% (200 per 1,000).
Multiple Sclerosis and Hearing Loss
By George Cook, Au.D., CCC-A
This article was generated by a recent request for information concerning Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and its relation to hearing loss. As you will read in the article, hearing loss and balance problems can result from MS and, although rare, can be an initial symptom of MS.
Evaluating the Quality of Hearing Conservation from Hearing Test Results
By George Cook, Au.D., CCC-A
What information may be gleaned from employee hearing tests that would indicate the quality of a hearing conservation program? It is important to separate successful hearing conservation from recording hearing loss on the OSHA 300 Log. Find out how...
An Overview of the Occupational Hearing Conservation Programs: The Audiologist’s Role, Audiologic/Medical Referrals, and Expectations Concerning Referrals
By George Cook, Au.D., CCC-A
Employees from occupational hearing conservation programs often do not get the expected and needed type of evaluation, diagnosis or treatment from the clinical audiologist or physician. Often there is a misunderstanding about how an occupational hearing conservation program works, what an occupational audiologist does as well as what the management, employee and occupational audiologist expect from the clinical audiologist and physician.
Assessment Tools: Introduction and Practical Use of Tympanometry Measurements in a Hearing Conservation Program
By Sarah Ervin, M.A., CCC-A
This article is a brief description of the anatomy and physiology that is measured during tympanometry testing, the importance of incorporating tympanometry measurements in a hearing conservation program, and how tympanograms are measured.
Assessment Tools: Introduction to the Anatomy and Physiology of the Auditory System
By Sarah Ervin, M.A., CCC-A
This article provides a general understanding of the structures within the auditory system and how they function. The auditory system is comprised of three components: the outer, middle, and inner ear, all of which work together to transfer sounds from the environment to the brain.
Case Study II: Diet, Noise, and Hearing Loss
By George Cook, Au.D., CCC-A
The condition of the cardiovascular system can greatly affect hearing loss and can contribute to predisposing the ear synergistically to noise exposure. Conditions such as hypertension, mild-to-moderately high cholesterol levels, and high triglyceride levels are conditions that can to some extent be affected by diet. Foods high in antioxidants and low in saturated fats are known to be significantly friendly to the cardiovascular system. In addition, significant amounts of antioxidants as provided in the food supplement N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is proving to be important in the prevention/treatment of noise-induced hearing loss. Read more about the studies that support this.
Case Study I: Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
By George Cook, Au.D., CCC-A
SSHL is an abrupt sensorineural hearing loss of 30 dB HL or greater over at least three audiometric frequencies occurring within 72 hours or less. Approximately 4,000 cases of SSHL are diagnosed each year. That’s 1 in 5,000 with the highest incidence in adults between the ages of 50 and 60 years old and 75% over the age of 40. Read more about the causes, treatments, and prognosis for this condition.
Assessment Tools: Introduction and Practical Use of Otoacoustic Emissions in Hearing Conservation Programs
By Sarah Ervin, M.A., CCC-A
Within the past 25 years there has been an explosion of technology in the field of Audiology. One of the most important advances in this technology and knowledge about the functioning of the human ear has been through the identification of Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE). Read more...
An Explanation of Recording Hearing Loss on the OSHA 300 Log
By George Cook, Au.D., CCC-A
In January 2001, OSHA published rules on recording and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses and made the effective date January 1, 2002. They delayed the recording criteria for cases involving occupational hearing loss and musculosketal disorders until January 1, 2003, and asked for comments. On July 1, 2002, OSHA published the finalized criteria for recording hearing loss.
Recording Hearing Loss on the OSHA 300 Log:
PowerPoint presentation in PDF format
By George Cook, Au.D., CCC-A
Managing Occupational Hearing Conservation Programs
By George Cook, Au.D., CCC-A
Computers and hearing conservation software are absolutely necessary in managing an occupational hearing conservation program in both large and small plants. Companies simply could not keep up with the testing, notification, record keeping and professional review requirements without the efficiencies of the computer.
A Discussion of MSHA in View of OSHA
By George Cook, Au.D., CCC-A
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 has established a new Occupational Noise Exposure Standard. While this standard is similar to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Occupational Noise Exposure Standard (1971) there are significant differences. This outline, with comments, is an interpretation of the MSHA standard when comparing it to the more familiar OSHA standard.
Industrial Hygiene articles:
What's New with Hexavalent Chromium?
By Tony Watson, CIH, CSP
As ordered by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, OSHA recently published a final rule for hexavalent chromium.
Review of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004— Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality — PART 3
By Brian Kareis, CIH, PE
This article is the third installment of our Review of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004. The new ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality incorporates a number of significant changes to the previous standard – 62-2001. This article covers changes found in Section 6.
Review of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004— Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality — PART 2
By Brian Kareis, CIH, PE
This article is the second installment of our Review of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004. The new ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality incorporates a number of significant changes to the previous standard – 62-2001. This article covers the standard's 17 addenda that delete and/or replace many of the sections of the previous standard.
Review of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004— Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality — PART 1
By Brian Kareis, CIH, PE
ASHRAE Standard 62 provides designers of buildings and mechanical ventilation systems guidance on ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality. The new standard contains a number of significant revisions to the 2001 standard. In fact, there is relatively little that has not been changed.
Environmental Noise Issues
By Jesse L. Finney, Jr., CIH, CSP, QEP
Commercial and public facility managers or owners occasionally encounter situations involving objectionable noise outside of their facilities. Unlike loud noise that affects facility employees and is regulated by OSHA, noise levels experienced by neighbors from adjacent or proximate facilities are not often of concern regarding adverse effects on hearing. Read more...
Overview of Asbestos Removal for Building Scheduled to Be Demolished
By Mike Kindley, CIH
The National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (commonly referred to as NESHAPs and found in 40 CFR Part 61, subpart M) regulates demolition of “facilities” that may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). NESHAPs requires that certain ACMs must be removed from a building prior to demolition. Read about the NESHAPs requirements...
Presumed Asbestos-Containing Material (PACM) vs. Suspect Asbestos-Containing Material
By Mike Kindley, CIH
This article answers questions that still arise about the difference between "presumed asbestos-containing material (PACM)" and "suspect asbestos-containing material (suspect ACM)" and how these terms relate to the OSHA Asbestos Standards.
Hexavalent Chromium (CrVl) Update
By Tony Watson, CIH, CSP
Epidemiologic studies have consistently shown a link between exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds and excess lung cancers. The World Health Organization (WHO), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the International Agency on the Research of Cancer (IARC) have all determined that hexavalent chromium causes cancer in humans. Read more about OSHA's proposed hexavalent chromium PELs and new sampling and analytical measuring methods.
Adjusting Occupational Exposure Limits for Extended Work Shifts
By Mike Kindley, CIH
Occasionally questions arise concerning the adjustment of occupational exposure limits for work shifts exceeding the traditional eight-hour work day. Since most of the regulatory and recommended exposure limits are based on the eight-hour workday, the effect of exposures for those working 10- and 12-hour work shifts becomes critical in light of the fact that extended work shifts not only increase exposure time during the workday, but reduce the recovery period between exposures. Read about OSHA's standards addressing this.
Monitoring Workplace Cotton Dust Concentrations
By Jesse L. Finney, Jr., CIH, CSP, QEP
We are occasionally asked to assist clients in setting up or refining their cotton dust monitoring programs in addition to conducting the surveys. This article is a review of some of the main points regarding monitoring of workplace cotton dust concentrations, as required by the cotton dust standard.
Determination of Atmospheric Workplace Exposure Limits for Mixtures
By Jesse L. Finney, Jr., CIH, CSP, QEP
Situations involving multiple chemicals with additive health effects are assessed differently than single chemical exposures in workplace exposure assessments. Both the OSHA Air Contaminant Regulations (29 CFR 1910.1000) and the ACGIH TLVs® and BEIs®publication provide guidance on calculating exposure limits for such mixtures. Find examples in this article of how those guidelines are applied.
Commonly Asked Questions Regarding OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard
By Tony Watson, CIH, CSP
Workplace Group offers respirator fit testing courses several times during the year. Attendees generally consist of safety professionals, occupational nurses, industrial hygienists, program administrators, fit test technicians, and others. We have found that among the attendees there are some recurring questions regarding OSHA’s revised Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134. Some of the more common questions, along with answers, are addressed in this article.
Occupational Health articles:
The Rising Diagnosis of Occupational Asthma
By Bruce Dalton, MD, MPH, FACOEM
The diagnosis of “occupational asthma” appears to be increasing in clinical medicine, primarily due to a relaxation in the criteria for the diagnosis. With implications for Workers’ Compensation loss history and the impact on the employability of the individual with asthma, it is important that it is diagnosed accurately. Read more...
Medical Surveillance for Hazardous Waste Workers
By Bruce Dalton, MD, MPH, FACOEM
Medical surveillance is the cornerstone of protection of hazardous waste workers. Prior exposure histories and evidence of previous effects from chemical exposures must be considered and physical examinations must include an evaluation of the workers ability to wear respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment under the physical conditions of wear and exposure. Read this article to find out more about OSHA's requirements for medical surveillance for hazardous waste workers (29 CFR Part 1910.120 (f) Medical Surveillance).
Best Practice Model for Implementation of an Automatic External Defibrillator Program
By Bruce Dalton, MD, MPH, FACOEM
The purpose of this Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) best practice is to provide fundamental information regarding the development of an effective AED program. This best practice discusses the fundamental principles for the implementation of an AED program.
Operator Requirements for Powered Industrial Trucks
By Bruce Dalton, MD, MPH, FACOEM
The Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry (29 CFR Part 1910) do not specifically address medical standards for forklift operators. However, paragraph 1910.178 (l)(1)(i) Safe Operation states "The employer shall ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by successful completion of the training and evaluation."
Occupational Health presentations
Medical Surveillance and the New Cr (IV) Standard
By Bruce A. Dalton, MD, MPH, FACOEM
The Hexavalent Chromium [Cr (VI)] standard was effective May 20, 2006. This talk was presented at the AIHA Triad Lunch Meeting held Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at the Workplace Group office in Greensboro.
Safety articles:
Most Cited OSHA Standards for 2006
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
This article is a summary of the top 10 OSHA cited standards by federal OSHA for fiscal year 2006.
Performing the Lockout/Tagout Risk Assessment
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
With the exception of minor tool changes and adjustments, and other minor servicing activities, employees are typically prohibited from placing any part of their body into the point of operation while a piece of equipment is energized. But, there are many scenarios in which deenergizing equipment is difficult and/or creates problems. In these cases, there is a need for performing a lockout/tagout risk assessment. Find out how.
Performing the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Hazard Analysis
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Failure to adequately assess the workplace for potential hazards and identify appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) not only results in thousands of eye injuries each year, it is also responsible for numerous injuries to the hands and arms, torso, feet, and head. Employers are required to perform a PPE assessment to determine if hazards are present, or likely to be present.
Implementing NFPA 70E at your Facility
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Over 600 workers are electrocuted annually – it is the 4th leading cause of workplace fatalities in the United States. If you have employees working on or near exposed energized electrical parts, electrical safe work practices are essential. This article addresses Safety-Related Work Practices outlined in Chapter 1 of NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace – 2004 Edition. Requirements contained within Chapter 2 – 4 are also included. Major requirements of NFPA 70E that should be included in this procedure are covered.
Performing the Electrical Flash Hazard Analysis
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
An electric arc flash, which is a short circuit through the air, occurs when an employee is working on or near energized electrical equipment and inadvertently contacts conductors or circuits, such as dropping a part or tool, resulting in a phase-to-ground, or a phase-to-phase fault. Also, equipment malfunction may produce a spark or arc, resulting in an arcing fault. Read more about the hazards of electric arc flashes and prevention measures for employees.
NFPA 70E: Frequently Asked Questions
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
In response to the numerous questions and comments from the article: Performing the Electrical Flash Hazard Analysis, this article answers the ten most commonly asked questions about NFPA 70E.
Most Cited OSHA Standards for 2004
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
This article is a summary of the top 10 OSHA cited standards by federal OSHA for fiscal year 2004.
Common Electrical Installation Violations
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Electricity is truly a great invention, however, its misuse can result in tragic loss of life and significant property damage. According to OSHA, approximately 350 electrical-related workplace fatalities occur annually. Electricity should not be feared, but it must be respected. Employees must be protected from electrocution hazards. Find out how...
Fundamentals of Fall Protection
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
OSHA lists falls as one of the leading causes of traumatic occupational death, accounting for eight percent of all occupational fatalities from trauma. An OSHA study involving 99 fall-related fatalities suggests that virtually all of those deaths could have been prevented by the use of guardrails, body harnesses, safety nets, covers, or other means which would have reduced employee exposure to the fall hazard. Find out more and see examples in this article...
Most Cited OSHA Standards for Fiscal Year 2003
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
This a summary of the 30 most cited federal OSHA standards by subparagraph for fiscal year 2003 (October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2003).
Flammable and Combustible Liquids: Storage and Handling
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Flammable and combustible liquids are present in nearly every workplace. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and many common products like solvents, thinners, cleaners, adhesives, paints, waxes, and polishes may be flammable or combustible. These products are ubiquitous and have become a part of our lifestyle. However, if used or stored improperly, serious fires and death may occur. This article discusses flammable and combustible liquid terminology, handling, and storage practices.
Performing the Confined Space Assessment
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Confined space fatalities are a common occurrence in the workplace. According to NIOSH, during the 10 year period from 1980 to 1989, 585 separate fatal incidents occurred in confined spaces, claiming 670 victims. Read about the causes and find out how to implement an effective confined space program.
General Industry versus Construction
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
"But this is a manufacturing facility – we don’t do construction work!" was the reply from a client during a discussion of OSHA’s construction standards: 29 CFR 1926. Even if you are a general industry facility, it is likely you are also performing construction work. See how OSHA defines construction work for general industry and how it differs from construction standards.
Most Frequently Cited Federal OSHA Standards for 2002
Compiled by W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
This article lists the top ten most frequently cited federal OSHA Standards for fiscal year 2002 (October 1, 2001 – September 30, 2002). Standards are listed in order of total citations.
Most Frequently Cited OSHA General Industry Training Standards for 2002
Compiled by W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
During fiscal year 2002 (October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002), federal OSHA issued 99,949 citations for a total proposed penalty of $106,539,194. This article lists the top ten most cited general industry standards cited for training/information requirements. Also included are number of training/information citations issued, subparagraph cited, and proposed penalty.
Critical Elements of an Effective Lockout/Tagout Program
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
The lockout/tagout standard – 29 CFR 1910.147 – is arguably the best OSHA standard ever written. For the price of a lock and tag, an employee can be confident they are protected from the sudden release of hazardous energy while performing maintenance, cleaning or servicing activities on equipment. When performed correctly, lockout/tagout is extremely beneficial, however, when performed incorrectly, serious injuries and fatalities may occur.
OSHA Enforcement Tools
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
Some employers assume OSHA compliance is achieved merely by compliance with the applicable OSHA code of federal regulations (e.g. 1910 General Industry, 1915 Maritime, 1926 Construction, 1928 Agriculture). However, this does not necessarily ensure full OSHA compliance. Employers must also be familiar with other OSHA enforcement tools such as Incorporation by Reference; the General Duty Clause; Letters of Interpretation; Standard Interpretations (STD’s); and Compliance Directives (CPL’s). Read this article to learn how to navigate the maze of OSHA compliance.
OSHA Revises Means of Egress Standard
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA
On November 6, 2002 OSHA published the revised General Industry Means of Egress standard. The revised standard which is called "Exit Routes, Emergency Actions Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans," became effective on December 7, 2002.
Workplace Applications Software articles:
Workplace Applications Built-in Help System
By Darlene Hunt
Workplace Applications' comprehensive on-line Help documentation is invoked from within the Workplace Applications software suite. As new features are added to the software, this companion Help file will include in-depth discussions regarding the added capabilities. This version of the software (March 26, 2004) includes software fixes and integration of the Help file. Read this article for more information on how the Help file can be used.
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