Noise level enforcement

OSHA Regions 7 and 8 have launched noise level enforcement initiatives aimed at protecting workers’ hearing. Following a three-month outreach period, OSHA will conduct inspections in workplaces where exposures to high levels of noise are expected.

Outreach activities will include letters to employers, training sessions with stakeholders, electronic information sharing activities, and news release broadcasts.

Region 7 covers private sector workers in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Following the three-month outreach period, which began February 28, OSHA will conduct inspections of general industry and construction workplaces at high risk of noise exposure.

Region 8’s initiative took effect February 15 and covers private sector workers in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Following the outreach period, OSHA will focus its inspection efforts in food, wood product, primary metal, and fabricated metal product manufacturing workplaces.