In the manufacturing industry, noise levels often exceed safe thresholds, posing significant risks to workers’ hearing health. Without regular hearing tests, employees are more likely to suffer from undiagnosed work-related hearing loss, leading to severe health and safety concerns.
Mobile Health offers employee hearing tests, hearing conservation programs, and other occupational health services to help improve workplace safety and maintain employee health in your organization.
The Safety Risks of Ignoring Hearing Health
Manufacturing environments are often filled with loud machinery, tools, and vehicles, creating noise levels that can lead to work-related hearing loss. In fact, about 25% of all workers have been exposed to hazardous noise, with 14% (22 million workers) exposed in just the last year. Unfortunately, 53% of noise-exposed workers report that they don’t wear hearing protection regularly.
When work-related hearing loss goes unnoticed, workers can miss essential cues such as warning alarms or communication from colleagues, increasing the likelihood of workplace accidents. Work-related hearing loss is also more than just a safety issue. It can also affect productivity and job satisfaction. According to the CDC, 20% of noise-exposed workers have a material hearing impairment, which impacts their daily workplace activities.
In support of employee wellness and workplace safety, OSHA has mandated specific regulatory requirements to protect the existing hearing health of employees and prevent future damage: namely the institution of workplace hearing conservation programs.
Mobile Health’s Comprehensive Hearing Conservation Programs
OSHA mandates that a workplace hearing conservation program is required when noise levels exceed 85 decibels over an eight-hour period. Failure to implement these programs can result in serious consequences for worker safety, plus their own wellness. We offer customized workplace hearing conservation programs that comply with OSHA standards, helping protect employees exposed to hazardous noise. Our services include baseline and ongoing hearing tests, hearing protection fit testing, and recommendations for appropriate protective equipment based on the job environment, employees’ roles, and the associated risk.
How Regular Hearing Tests Improve Safety
By conducting regular employee hearing tests, employers can detect early signs of work-related hearing loss and take steps to protect their workforce. Mobile Health offers baseline and ongoing hearing tests to determine if work-related hearing loss has occurred, and if so, to what degree. These tests allow employers to monitor their employees’ hearing health over time, and ensure that appropriate interventions are made to protect employees if and when necessary.
When combined with effective workplace hearing conservation programs that include hearing protection fit testing, employers can significantly reduce the risks associated with hearing loss while maintaining OSHA compliance.
Innovative Technology for Streamlined Occupational Health Management
In addition to hearing tests, Mobile Health’s advanced technology solutions make managing occupational health processes easier than ever. Our user-friendly Client Portal provides employers with 24/7 access to appointment scheduling and test results. This allows businesses to efficiently manage their hearing conservation programs and stay on top of compliance requirements.
For employees, our Patient Portal simplifies scheduling with next-day appointments available at convenient locations. Workers can receive their test results before leaving the clinic, helping employers make informed decisions about their safety and well-being without delays.
Regular hearing tests are a critical component of workplace safety, especially in noisy industries like manufacturing. Work-related hearing loss not only compromises employee safety, but also reduces productivity and job satisfaction. By partnering with Mobile Health for comprehensive hearing conservation programs, manufacturers can protect their employees, ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, and create a safer, more efficient work environment.
To learn more about our services and how we can help improve safety in your workplace, explore our hearing conservation services. Contact us with your needs to get started.
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Written by:
Tricia Chen-Weis, RNTricia Chen-Weis is a seasoned healthcare professional with a passion for operational excellence and patient care. Joining Mobile Health in August 2019, Tricia quickly made her mark improving patient care and clinical operations as Site Manager in Mobile Health’s 36th Street and Staten Island location. With a bachelor's degree from the University of The West Indies and a nursing degree from Monroe College, Tricia's educational foundation provided her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the healthcare industry. Prior to her tenure at Mobile Health, Tricia's career journey encompassed roles in business and healthcare, including positions as a purchasing agent/buyer and Practice Administrator. In her current role as Director of Clinical Operations, Tricia oversees all six of Mobile Health’s owned and operated NYC clinics, their operations, and staff, ensuring the seamless delivery of top-tier occupational healthcare services to clients. Since assuming this role in January 2024, Tricia has demonstrated exemplary leadership, fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration among her team members. With a commitment to continuous improvement, Tricia looks forward to further growing and enhancing Mobile Health's operations, ensuring the organization's continued success in delivering exceptional care to its clients.