Fall Safety Zone: Hearing Loss | Seasonal Precautions | Free Safety Programs

Fall 2022 Protect Your Hearing October is National Protect Your Hearing Month. Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses, affecting approximately 22 million workers in the U.S. every year. Some chemicals (called ototoxicants) can also cause hearing loss (Preventing Hearing Loss Caused by Chemical [Ototoxicity] and Noise Exposure [cdc.gov]). Protect hearing in the workplace by using quieter machines, replacing hazardous chemicals with less toxic chemicals, properly maintaining and lubricating machinery and equipment, using barriers, enclosing or isolating noise sources, or limiting worker exposure. Did you know that employers are required to supply hearing protection? When options for eliminating or reducing the noise is exhausted, personal hearing protection devices (i.e. earplugs and earmuffs) should be used. Employers are required to supply personal hearing protection devices to all employees that have to work in a facility when the noise exposure is over 85 decibels for eight hours. Employers are also required to establish and implement a hearing conservation program if the noise levels exceed 85 decibels for eight hours. A hearing conservation program requires employers to measure noise levels; provide free annual hearing exams, hearing protection, and training; and conduct evaluations of the adequacy of the hearing protectors in use. Ensure employees know how to properly use/insert personal hearing protection devices.  For reference, examples of everyday noise levels are: Refrigerator – 50 decibels Vacuuming – 75 decibels Driving in city traffic – 85 decibels Fire alarms – 120 decibels Jet plane taking off – 140 decibels Be an advocate for yourself and protect your hearing. Almost all work-related hearing loss is permanent, but, with effective hearing loss prevention strategies, hearing loss can be mitigated. Change of the season Fall is here! As we know, fall means the weather is changing and temperatures will also be falling. Be prepared: Dress appropriately for all weather conditions Clear off walkways and entrances from leaves, ice, and snow to reduce slip/trip/fall hazards With Daylight Saving Time, it will get darker earlier. Make sure parking lots and other exterior areas have sufficient lighting BONUS TIP: Don't forget to also check the batteries in your smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detectors when you change your clocks! Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses When driving, make sure vehicles are winter-ready by replacing wiper blades and check tires and fluid levels While on the roads, be cognizant of deer and other wildlife, as well as school buses picking up and dropping off children Have an emergency kit in your car. Recommended items include: Blankets, mittens, socks, winter boots Ice scraper Flashlight with extra batteries Jumper cables First-aid kit Bottled water Cell phone charger Hydration Even though the hot summer months are behind us, you still need to stay hydrated. You can also get dehydrated in cold weather. Even during winter months, our bodies still lose water through sweating, breathing, and urinating, and it is vital to replace those fluids. You may not feel as thirsty when the temperature drops and your sweat may be less noticeable, but it is still important to stay in the habit of drinking plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated can boost your immune system and can even help keep you warmer as the body uses water to regulate core body temperature. It is recommended that you drink, or continue to drink, 8 to ten glasses of water every day in the winter. Certain foods such as soup broth as well as some fruits and vegetables can also help with water intake. Remember, the body still needs sufficient fluids to perform properly, no matter what time of year. Sign up for free, customized safety services for businesses & contractors The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations promotes economic vitality, safety and fairness for Missouri's businesses and workers. The department has three safety programs which work to improve on-the-job safety in Missouri: On-Site Safety & Health Consultation Program helps businesses maintain OSHA compliance through one-on-one consultations. Consultants identify and assist in correcting site-specific safety and health hazards without assessing any fines or penalties. Missouri Workers' Safety Program helps businesses and public entities improve their workplace safety procedures and reduce workers' compensation insurance costs. We start by identifying the needs of your company and then connect you with individualized resources. Mine & Cave Safety Program works to eliminate hazards and reduce accidents in Missouri's mines and show caves. We offer specialized education and training, as well as step-by-step implementation of safety plans that focus on building better habits on the job. Sign up today! Safe at Work - Safety Programs Upcoming Events & News Oct. 3-9: National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 15: Global Handwashing Day Oct. 20: Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills - Select Your ShakeOut Region Oct. 21-27: Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Nov. 7-11: Winter Weather Preparedness Week Nov. 7-14: Drowsy Driving Prevention Week Contributing authors: Jennifer Hyleck, GSP Health and Safety Analyst, Missouri Workers' Safety Program Amanda Kremer, CSP Safety Manager, Missouri Workers' Safety Program   Questions? Contact Us STAY CONNECTED: SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Subscriptions  |  Help This email was sent to ignoble.experiment@arconati.us using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Missouri Department of Labor · P.O. Box 59 · Jefferson City, MO 65104-0059 · 1-800-320-2519