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SAFETY MOMENT, AUGUST 20

Fit earplugs and earmuffs right

See today's safety momentHow to give a safety moment

Safety moment, August 20

Fit earplugs and earmuffs right

Noise damage usually builds up slowly and does not hurt, so it is easy to miss until the damage is done. Hearing lost to noise does not come back, and hearing aids cannot make it like new. Noise can also leave you with ringing in your ears that never goes away. The good news is that this kind of hearing loss can be prevented.

SAFETY MOMENT

August 20

The hazard

Noise damage usually builds up slowly and does not hurt, so it is easy to miss until the damage is done. Hearing lost to noise does not come back, and hearing aids cannot make it like new. Noise can also leave you with ringing in your ears that never goes away. The good news is that this kind of hearing loss can be prevented.

The action

Roll foam plugs into a thin tube, reach over your head to pull the top of your ear up and back, then slide the plug in deep and hold it while it expands. Earmuffs need a full seal, so hair, hats and the arms of safety glasses under the cushions can let noise leak in. In construction, earplugs must be fitted or determined individually by competent persons (29 CFR 1926.101(b)). In general industry, the employer must ensure proper initial fitting and supervise correct use (29 CFR 1910.95(i)(5)). (29 CFR 1926.101(b))

ASK THE CREW

Which tools or areas on this job make you raise your voice to be heard?

From the talk: Noise and hearing protection. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

  1. Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
  2. Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
  3. Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
  4. Write the date and the names on a sign-in sheet.

A safety moment is short and does not replace the full talk. When you want to go through a topic with the crew, pick a free toolbox talk.

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