Sources: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Atlanta; CP staff
Safety data- and training-driven Vulcan Materials Co. has received the 2013 Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award, presented by NIOSH in partnership with the National Hearing Conservation Association.
The groups cite Vulcan’s implementation of a quality, data-centered program and embrace of innovative and cost-effective noise measurement and control strategies, including the training of select employees as industrial hygiene support staff. The top gun in aggregate production and a key ready mixed producer in Virginia, Florida and California, Vulcan is also leading protection strategies for mobile workers by integrating GPS-enabled technology and video into noise measurement protocols. “These novel approaches will benefit other industries in the future and contribute to the goal of eliminating work-related noise-induced hearing loss,” NIOSH officials note.
The Safe-in-Sound Excellence Award winners were announced February 22 at the 38th Annual Hearing Conservation Conference in St. Petersburg, Fla. “This year’s recipients confirm that the benefits of noise control go far beyond the prevention of hearing loss and make good business sense, as a safe and healthy workforce benefits workers, employers, and the U.S. economy,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D.
A federal agency under the Centers for Disease Control, NIOSH conducts research aimed at preventing work-related injuries and illnesses. — www.cdc.gov/niosh.