Safe•in•Sound

3M has 180 plant locations worldwide which produce over 50,000 products.  The 3M Alexandria plant produces a variety of industrial abrasives products used to grind, blend, polish, sand, prep, cut, clean or repair surfaces.  These materials are used for metal fabrication, precision castings, cylindrical grinding, furniture and custom wood, automotive manufacturing, maintenance and more. The environmental health and safety staff and workers at 3M Alexandria are the 2016 recipient of the Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award™ in manufacturing. Starting in November 2011 3M Alexandria received corporate support to reduce noise exposures and the need for their workers to be enrolled in a hearing conservation program throughout their facility. Noise exposures were so successfully reduced (12 - 14 dBA across 24 different areas and departments), that 199 of 203 employees were no longer required to be included in the 3M Alexandria Hearing Conservation Program.  Their initiatives are recognized for the all-inclusive and systematic, statistically driven noise exposure assessments, cost-effective noise reduction projects, the documentation of cost and noise reduction results, and the implementation of Buy-Quiet principles.  In addition, 3M Alexandria has maintained a high quality audiometric testing and hearing protection selection and fitting program for those few employees that remain exposed to noise.   3M Alexandria’s success story demonstrates that noise control is desirable, achievable, and economical in both short and long term.
3M Alexandria Hearing Conservation Program (Adobe Flash Required)


(From left to right): Kristy Casto (NHCA), Carl Johnson (3M Alexandria), Matt VanWatermulen (3M Alexandria), John Howard, NIOSH 



John Casali is the John Grado Professor at Dept. of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Director, Auditory Systems Laboratory, Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA), Past-President, National Hearing Conservation Association, 2009 NHCA Outstanding Hearing Conservationist recipient, and co-chair of the 1995 NHCA-NIOSH joint hearing conservation conference. John Casali and Virginia Tech are the 2016 recipients of the Safe-in-Sound Award for Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention for their pioneering, extensive and innovative efforts in hearing protection research and auditory signal detection. The work of the Auditory Systems Laboratory is unique in that it combines human factors engineering with acoustics and audiology to solve research questions in many aspects of auditory perception and hearing health. The areas of research are broad based and include:  auditory situation awareness for military and industrial applications, improved hearing protector design and evaluation, warning signal design and effectiveness, speech communications in noise, auditory requirements for specific job duties, signal detection and noise reduction in aircraft cockpits, integration of various items of personal protective equipment (interoperability) and noise annoyance in communities. The impact of their work extends beyond hearing loss prevention into safety. Their initiatives to study the user's ability to hear, perceive, and respond to important auditory stimuli in their environments -- that is, the ability to maintain "Auditory Situation Awareness" are recognized as innovative and broad reaching, and are considered critical to the improvement of hearing protection devices and the safety of their wearers. The ultimate beneficiaries of this work are primarily military personnel, but also workers in jobs which impose hazards that stem from not being able to hear important signals and communications. John Casali’s example and leadership instills a culture of scientific rigor, precision, and attention to detail that contributes to practical solutions in the real world of hazardous noise exposures. 
Prof. John Casali Presentation on Innovation (Adobe Flash Required)

Summary of the Contributions from the Auditory Systems Laboratory, Virginia Tech (Adobe Flash Required)



(From left to right): Kristy Casto (NHCA), Kichol Lee (Virginia Tech), John G. Casali (Virginia Tech), John Howard, NIOSH

United Technologies Corporation (UTC) is a global company with over 210,000 employees from 46 states and 186 countries. This is only the second time that a Safe-in-Sound Excellence Award™ is presented to an entire corporation and represents an example of excellence across multiple industries and geographical locations.  UTC is recognized for including in its current sustainability goals “to reduce employee exposure to noise and chemicals to levels so safe that wearing personal protective equipment is no longer mandatory….” and for the subsequent multi-level strategies used to support the diverse companies within the corporation to fulfill that goal. Their comprehensive approach to hearing loss prevention and commitment to employee hearing health and noise control are exceptional.  Their approach includes corporation-wide interventions such as: reduction of sound levels below an 85-dBA limit for 8-hour noise exposures; adoption of inclusive criteria in their comprehensive hearing loss prevention program; completion of multiple noise-control studies throughout each business unit to identify all noise sources affecting worker exposure; documentation of cost and noise reduction results; and the adoption of Buy-Quiet policies and practices.  Employees at all levels of the corporation are engaged in the initiatives and each individually contributes to these noteworthy accomplishments.
United Technologies Corporation (UTC)Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

Click here for the podcast

Back row, from left to right:  James Lankford (Safe-in-Sound Committee), Matthew Twerdy (UTC); 
Phillip Sims (UTC), Mike Nightingale (UTC), Front row, L to R: Kristy Casto (NHCA President), 
John Franks, (Safe-in-Sound Committee), David Senft (UTC),  Thais C. Morata (NIOSH), Sara Kerr (UTC), 
Deanna Meinke (Safe-in-Sound Committee), William Murphy (NIOSH), and Rick Neitzel (Safe-in-Sound Committee).

Mahrt Mill Employees of Cottonton, Alabama, of the MeadWestvaco Corporation.  The intrinsic nature of the noise hazards at a paper mill approaching its 50th anniversary makes them difficult to control, which translates into challenges and elevates the importance for the other hearing loss prevention efforts.  The subsequent reliance upon hearing protection and effective training becomes even more critical when hazardous noise levels exist. In addition, recognition of the importance of audibility and communication that is critical to employee safety is also a relevant consideration. The Mahrt Mill Hearing Conservation Team expanded and improved on their noise measurements, developed and implemented engaging educational programs, provided two alternative types of hearing protection fit-testing of all plant personnel, selected a diverse assortment of effective general and specialty hearing protection devices for both work and recreational application, conducted high quality audiometric testing with professional review and employee follow-up.  There is evidence of strong support from plant management and individual workers and each recognizes their role in the success of the program.  Their teamwork commitment to each individual at risk of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus is especially noteworthy, as are their efforts to actively encourage the adoption of their strategies by other MWV sites.   The employees of Mahrt Mill are changing their course towards hearing health.
Mahrt Mill (MM) Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

Click here for the podcast


Back row, from left to right:  James Lankford (Safe-in-Sound Committee), 
John Franks (Safe-in-Sound Committee),  Deanna Meinke (Safe-in-Sound Committee),  
William Murphy (NIOSH), Hazel Ladner (MWV),  Rick Neitzel (Safe-in-Sound Committee); 
Front row, L to R: Rosolyn Durden (MWV), Courtney Tinner (MWV), Cathy Porter (MWV), 
Thais C. Morata (NIOSH), and Kristy Casto (NHCA President).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Electronic Systems Sector, from Linthicum, Maryland.  Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems (NGES) is a developer, manufacturer, integrator and supporter of advanced electronic and maritime systems for U.S. and international customers for national security and non-defense applications.  These systems include high performance sensors, intelligence processing and navigation systems that range from radar and targeting systems to tactical ground stations and navigation systems, and are designed to operate in all environments from undersea to outer space.  The Electronic Systems Sector headquarters employs 4000 employees in Linthicum, MD.  Northrop Grumman Electronics Systems is being recognized for their commitment and implementation of hearing loss prevention strategies in a highly unique and challenging work environment.  Specifically, NGES has implemented a process to identify and effectively control hazardous noise sources that have reduced or eliminated individual worker daily noise exposures and the need for most of their workers to be enrolled in a hearing loss prevention program.  However, this has been implemented judiciously; employees are proactively enrolled in the hearing loss prevention program when noise sources cannot be fully controlled.  The program components include; individualized training, hearing protector fit-testing and audiometric monitoring to assure workers are adequately protected.  Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is also recognized for their vision in developing a community outreach program for employees and their families. This initiative extends their efforts to prevent noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus beyond the workplace, and addresses non-occupational noise hazards as well. 
Northrop Grumman(NG)Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

Benjamin Kanters and “HearTomorrow” at Columbia College Chicago (Chicago, IL). Benjamin Kanters, Founder of “HearTomorrow” is an Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago where he teaches a course entitled “Studies in Hearing” addressing hearing physiology, disorders and conservation for students studying audio engineering and acoustics.  In 2008, this course became the foundation for “The Hearing Conservation Workshop” which is designed to teach hearing awareness and conservation to students and professionals in the audio, music and hearing science industries.  Benjamin Kanters is being recognized for his development and widespread dissemination of the 2-hour seminar which has been delivered at 37 colleges and universities, 23 professional conferences and as an online webinar.  His passion for hearing loss prevention is tangible and positively promotes the need to educate the music and audio engineering community and those who provide hearing healthcare to theml. 
Hear Tomorrow (HT) Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

Vulcan Materials Company (VMC) is a major producer of construction aggregates; primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel.  VMC operates 323 aggregates plants and other production and distribution facilities which serve 19 states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas and Mexico. In 2011, VMC shipped approximately 143 million tons of construction aggregates, and also provided asphalt mix, ready-mixed concrete and paving construction services.  VMC was recognized for their commitment and implementation of a quality data-driven hearing loss prevention program that extends beyond simple regulatory compliance.  VMC’s effort is especially noteworthy when one considers the diverse and ever-changing and challenging work environments that are characteristic of this industry. VMC has embraced innovative and cost-effective noise measurement and control strategies. Noise risks are prioritized and addressed systematically with careful attention to detail to assure prompt reporting, high quality data, detailed analysis, progress tracking and outcome assessments. VMC provides extensive noise measurement and control training and re-training for select employees to function as industrial hygiene support staff.  This allows VMC to increase their noise hazard surveillance and intervention opportunities without sacrificing quality.  VMC’s is also leading the advancements in noise monitoring strategies for mobile workers by integrating sophisticated technologies such as GPS, and video into their noise measurement  protocols. These novel approaches will benefit other industries in the future and contribute to the goal of eliminating occupational noise-induced hearing loss. 
Vulcan Materials Company (VMC)Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

Johns Manville (JM), a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building insulation, commercial roofing, roof insulation, and specialty products for commercial, industrial and residential applications.  JM employs 6500 employees in the U.S., Europe and Asia.  JM was recognized for their development and application of innovative hearing loss prevention program metrics.  Their “Hearing Conservation Pyramid” approach incorporates both leading and lagging indicators of hearing conservation program effectiveness. Rather than an injury-based focus which relied solely on the traditional significant threshold shift (STS) metric and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable hearing loss cases, JM has integrated three other metrics. These additional metrics include an early audiometric notch index, hearing protector personal attenuation ratings and a noise level index designed to track noise exposure levels weighted by FTEs.  The implementation of the JM “Hearing Conservation Pyramid” approach initiated noise control engineering training which ultimately resulted in the completion of successful noise control projects and stimulated resource sharing between plants.  The JM revised metric approach has been enthusiastically embraced by both plant managers and employees due to their ability to directly impact the noise exposure of workers.  This innovative JM data driven approach has demonstrated practical implementation in the short-term and will provide for long-term program monitoring and advocacy. The JM “Hearing Conservation Pyramid” is readily adaptable to other noise-exposed industries who wish to become proactive rather than reactive to the risk of noise-induced hearing loss among their workforce.  
Johns Manville (JM), a Berkshire Hathaway Company Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

Dangerous Decibels® is a multi-faceted, evidence-based intervention program dedicated to the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. The Dangerous Decibels program has been built upon collaborative partnerships between the Oregon Health & Science University, the Portland State University, the University of Northern Colorado and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry with widespread funding and dissemination support by numerous organizations. Dangerous Decibels was recognized for their development, widespread dissemination and cultural adaptation of innovative training strategies shown to positively change knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in youth and adults.  The program is unique in terms of the solid scientific and theoretical basis which incorporates health communication theory into all program aspects including science museum exhibits, virtual exhibits, K-12 classroom programs, educator training workshops, “Jolene – How Loud is Your Music” public outreach tools and research.   Dangerous Decibels emphasizes the need to protect hearing for a “lifetime” and bridges the occupational and non-occupational noise risks. Dangerous Decibels is changing the culture of hearing loss prevention across all ages and investing in the hearing health of current and future workers.
(Dangerous Decibels® Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)


From L to R: William Hal Martin (DD), John Howard (NIOSH), Ga-Lo Vann (DD), Susan Griest (DD), Deanna Meinke (DD). L to R, front row:  Linda Howarth and Judy Sobel (DD). Photo Courtesy: Jack Foreman




From L to R: back row: Pam Graydon (NIOSH, SiS), Deanna Meinke (DD), Thais Morata (NIOSH, SiS), John Howard (NIOSH), Judy Sobel (DD), Ga-Lo Vann (DD), Susan Griest (DD), Rick Neitzel (SiS), James Lankford (SiS), John Franks (SiS), Laura Kauth (NHCA). Left to right, front row: Linda Howarth (DD), William Hal Martin (DD), Andrew Perkins (VMC), Kelly Bailey (VMC), Kelly Bailey (VM),   Andrew Perkins (VM). Photo Courtesy: Jack Foreman.

Colgate-Palmolive (CP) the first company to receive a Safe-in-Sound Award™ at a company level, is a global company with 35,000 employees in over 200 countries. CP manufactures dental care, personal care, home care and pet nutrition products. Their accomplishments are achieved by applying internal expertise to establish synergistic partnerships across diverse departments and organizational levels to solve problems.  Colgate-Palmolive was recognized for interventions such as:  company-wide adoption of the NIOSH recommended 85-dBA threshold-limit value for 8-hour noise exposures; application of the 3-dB exchange rate for noise exposure assessments; adoption of inclusive criteria in their hearing loss prevention program; completion of multiple noise-control studies throughout each business unit to identify all noise sources affecting worker exposure; development and implementation of many pilot-program noise control measures; documentation of cost and noise reduction results;  dissemination of an internal CP handbook on noise control; development of online, on-demand webcast training in noise control engineering available in six languages; establishment of checklists for sustaining low-noise levels; and the adoption of buy-quiet and design-quiet policies – even to the point of assisting equipment manufacturers in developing quieter machinery.
Click this icon in the presentation to view notes 
Colgate-Palmolive Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

Bechtel National Inc., BSII, Waste Treatment & Immobilization Plant Project (Richland, WA). (Richland, WA).  The Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) is the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant.  It is being designed, constructed, and commissioned by Bechtel National, Inc.  The construction site spans 65 acres and includes four major nuclear facilities.  Bechtel Waste Treatment & Immobilization Plant Project was recognized for the comprehensive integration of their hearing loss prevention program components, for their innovative strategies to address industry specific challenges in the areas of noise monitoring, risk evaluation and risk communication, for adopting the NIOSH-recommended exposure limit of 85 dB with the 3 dB exchange rate, for promoting the active involvement of the workforce in their efforts, and for encouraging the adoption of their strategies by other Bechtel sites
Click this icon  in the presentation to view notes 
(FC) Bechtel National Inc. BSII Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)


From L to R (back):  Tim Rink (NHCA), Deanna Meinke (Safe-in-Sound), James Lankford (Safe-in-Sound); Scott Nickerson (Bechtel WTP), Rick Neitzel (Safe-in-Sound), CAPT. Margaret Kitt (NIOSH), Christopher Bruni (Bechtel WTP), Thais C. Morata (NIOSH, Safe-in-Sound).
Photo Courtesy: Jack Foreman

Shaw Industries Group, Fibers Division,  Plant WM, GA.  Shaw Industries Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., is the world’s largest carpet manufacturer and a leading floor covering provider. The Division Fibers is responsible for producing the yarn needed for carpet manufacturing, an inherently noisy process. The Division Fibers was recognized for the demonstrated results in noise control, hearing loss prevention and their continuous effort to improve the quality of implementation of several of their hearing loss prevention program components:  noise measurement, engineering and administrative noise control initiatives, provision of a wider selection of hearing protection devices, fit-test verification of the attenuation provided by the devices, audiometric testing, training and program evaluation, and facilitating the adoption of their strategies by other Shaw facilities.
Click this icon  in the presentation to view notes 
Shaw Industries Group Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

CPT Leanne Cleveland and the Fort Carson (FC) Army Hearing Program in Colorado Springs, CO. Fort Carson is one of the largest Army Forces Command bases.  As a nation currently at war, over 26,000 Army , National Guard and Reserve soldiers were activated and demobilized from their deployments throughout the United States, Europe, and the middle east via Fort Carson in 2010.The noise hazards of war are extreme and inherently challenging to manage in terms of hearing loss prevention. Beginning in 2007, a pilot program was implemented at Ft. Carson designed to recognize the critical value of functional hearing for soldier readiness, effectiveness and safety. 

The 2009 Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards™ were presented at the 34th Annual Hearing Conservation Conference on February 13, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia.

• 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)
  

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• Google+