The inaugural four Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards™ were presented at the 34th Annual Hearing Conservation Conference held on February 13, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. The awards honor companies that have shown their dedication to the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss through excellent hearing loss prevention practices in the work environment.

“We are so pleased to be able to recognize these organizations for their leadership in preventing work-related hearing loss,” said NIOSH Acting Director Christine Branche, Ph.D. “NIOSH is constantly looking to elevate the quality of hearing loss prevention programs, and this is an excellent opportunity to share new ideas and best practices to help improve many areas in worker safety and health.”

The 2009 recipients in the Manufacturing Sector are:

• Pratt & Whitney - East Hartford Facility, CT.  Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp. Company, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and support of aircraft engines, gas turbines and space propulsion systems.  It was recognized for the comprehensive approach taken, aiming at excellence in every component of the hearing loss prevention program; for their exceptional commitment to noise control and for promoting the active involvement of the workforce in their efforts.
  Pratt & Whitney Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

• Domtar Paper Company, Kingsport Mill, TN.  Domtar Paper Company designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide range of fine paper products. It was recognized for the comprehensive integration of their hearing loss prevention program and a demonstrated commitment to extend hearing loss prevention practices beyond the occupational work environment into recreational and community activities enjoyed by their workers and their families.
  Domtar Paper Company Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)
  

The 2009 recipient in the Services Sector is:

• The Montgomery County Water Services (MCWS), OH. Public entities in Ohio do not fall under the purview of Federal or State Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), but the MCWS proactively addresses each of the components of an effective hearing loss prevention program, often extending beyond minimal regulatory requirements. The Montgomery County Water Services was recognized for the comprehensive approach taken, aiming at excellence in every component of the hearing loss prevention program; for developing innovative strategies for addressing the variable work routine of its noise-exposed workers and for promoting the active involvement of the workforce in its safety and health efforts.
  The Montgomery County Water Services Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

The 2009 recipient for the Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention award is:

• Sensaphonics Hearing Conservation, Inc., Chicago, IL.  Sensaphonics serves the hearing needs of music industry and other industries that rely upon high-impact audio products. Sensaphonics was recognized for being a pioneer in combining products, audiology services, and education to reach their hearing loss prevention goals, for their culture of innovation and educational outreach, and for having raised awareness of the importance of hearing loss prevention among audiologists, the music industry and the general public.
  Sensaphonics Hearing Conservation Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)
                                                                                         
  Back row, top left to top right: Charlie Floyd (Domtar), Mark Skripol (P&W),  Pam Graydon (NIOSH), Tim Brooks (P&W), Nancy Hitchins (P&W),  Meg Gildea (P&W),  Ed Nelson (P&W), Thais Morata (NIOSH), Dom Chiulli (P&W),  Craig Thompson (P&W), Deanna Meinke (NHCA), Jim Newhall (NIOSH) and James Lankford (NHCA)Front row (seated), left to right: Connie Muncy (MCWS), Debbie Davis (Domtar), Dave Russel (P&W) and Michael Santucci (Sensaphonics).
  

2009 Safe-in-Sound Award Related Links

• NHCA Spectrum, Spring 2009, Volume 26, Number 1.
  Written permission to reprint this material has been provided by the National Hearing Conservation Association
  
  
• NHCA Spectrum, Spring 2009, Volume 26, Number 1, Letter to the Editor
  Written permission to reprint this material has been provided by the National Hearing Conservation Association
  
  
• NHCA Spectrum, Summer 2009, Volume 26, Number 2.
  Written permission to reprint this material has been provided by the National Hearing Conservation Association
  
  
• NIOSH eNews Volume 6 Number 11 2009
  http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/enews/enewsV6N11.html#g
  
  
• Sensaphonics Hearing Conservaton
  http://www.sensaphonics.com/news_31.html 
  
  
• Lighting and Sound America
  http://www.lightingandsoundamerica.com/news/story.asp?ID=-G6ITCE
  
  
• Audiology Online
  http://www.audiologyonline.com/news/news_detail.asp?news_id=3615
  
  
• Montgomery County Newsletter, Ohio State