An Analysis of Noise Exposures and Hearing Conservation Program Practices at Company XYZ’s Upper Midwest Hot-Mix Asphalt Plant

Abstract

An investigative study was conducted to research and quantify occupational noise exposure levels at Company XYZ’s upper Midwest hot-mix asphalt plant. Company XYZ’s hearing conservation program and practices were also assessed to determine the adequacy of current procedures to protect employee hearing. An Extech sound meter was utilized to measure sound levels produced at specific locations throughout the plant and 3M Edge dosimeters were used to measure the cumulative sound levels that each worker was exposed to during the study. Area sound levels which were collected throughout the plant ranged from 68.8 to a peak of 105.3 decibels on the A scale (dBA). Eight-hour time-weighted average exposure sound level for the monitored workers ranged from 61.6 to 89.9 dBA. This data demonstrates that the plant generates hazardous noises levels that with repeated exposure, may contribute to noise-induced hearing loss. An examination Company XYZ’s written hearing conservation program confirmed that it was compliant with the requirements set by OSHA’s hearing protection regulations, however, the implementation of the program at the upper Midwest hot-mix asphalt plant was deficient. Recommendations to Company XYZ included performing routine employee hearing conservation training, involving elevated noise exposure employees in initial and annual audiometric exams, to assess the effectiveness of hearing conservation devices to attenuate hazardous noise levels and to require all employees to wear hearing protection while they are working outside of control rooms and loader cabs.