The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued an August 6th Regional Emphasis Program (“REP”) for inspections of health hazards related to high noise levels and other industry recognized hazards in:
- Sawmills
- Planing Mills
- Wood Pallets and Skids Manufacturers
- Concrete Products Manufacturers (except block and brick)
- Plastic Products Manufacturing
- Fabricated Metal Products
- Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing
- Motor vehicle parts manufacturing
- Boat Building
- Animal Slaughtering
See Directive Number: BHM-CPL 04-00-001.
The REP applies to the Little Rock, Baton Rouge, Birmingham, Jackson, Mobile, and Nashville Federal Area Offices.
By way of background, the REP states that approximately 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise exposures on the job and over 9 million are at risk of hearing loss from occupational exposure to noise. This is therefore considered a persistent cause of employee illness in the workplace.
The REP further states in part:
… Exposure to excessive levels of noise, coupled with inadequate engineering and administrative controls, lack of personal protective equipment, and implementation of an effective hearing conservation program continue to put workers at significant risk of permanent impairment.
In 2024 OSHA cites data indicating there were 14,000 work-related hearing loss illness cases.
The REP addresses development of emphasis programs and procedures associated with inspections. Further required as indicated by the REP is an outreach component which would include:
- Broadcast mail-outs.
- Stakeholder meetings.
- Targeted training sessions.
- Presentations to the affected group(s).
Baton Rouge, Little Rock, and Nashville Area Offices are noted to be new to this REP and are required to conduct outreach programs.
A copy of the REP can be found here.
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