Hearing Conservation Programs

Our comprehensive hearing conservation program made up of four components:

1. Sound Level Survey
2. Hearing Tests
3. Education
4. Program Administration

Our programs are designed to meet the specific requirements of Part 12 of Manitoba Regulation 217/2006 as listed in the following:

 

SOUND LEVEL TESTING

12.2 An employer must conduct a noise exposure assessment at the workplace in accordance with CAN/CSA Standard-Z107.56-06, Measurement of Occupational Exposure to Noise, and prepare and post in a conspicuous place in the workplace a written report of the assessment, if

1. a worker is or is likely to be exposed to noise at a workplace in excess of 80 dBA;
2. there is
1. an alteration, renovation or repair of the workplace,
2. new equipment introduced in the workplace, or
3. a modification done to a work process, that may result in a significant change in a worker's exposure to noise; or
3. a worker provides the employer with evidence of an occupationally induced hearing loss.

12.8 An employer must post a warning sign Χ indicating that any person entering the workplace or work area risks exposure to a noise level that is harmful to hearing Χ at the entrance to any workplace or work area where the noise level is more than 85 dBA.

MOBILE HEARING TESTING

12.4(2) When it is not reasonably practicable to implement sound control measures, or the sound control measures implemented by an employer do not reduce the worker's noise exposure to 85 dBA Lex or less, an employer must

1. inform the worker about the hazards of the level of noise;
2. provide the worker with
1. a hearing protector that (A) complies with CAN/CSA Z94.2-02, Hearing Protection DevicesΧ Performance, Selection, Care, and Use, and (B) reduces the worker's noise exposure to 85 dBA Lex or less, and
2. information about the selection, use and care of the hearing protector; and
3. at the employer's expense, provide the worker with the following audiometric tests:
   1. an initial baseline test as soon as is reasonably practicable but not later than 70 days after the worker is initially exposed to that noise level,
   2. a further test at least once every year after the initial baseline test.

EDUCATION PROGRAM

12.4(2) When it is not reasonably practicable to implement sound control measures, or the sound control measures implemented by an employer do not reduce the worker's noise exposure to 85 dBA Lex or less, an employer must

1. inform the worker about the hazards of the level of noise;

HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

12.4(3) In order to ensure the tests and reports required under this Part are completed, an employer obligated to provide audiometric testing must, at the employer's expense, engage a physician or audiologist.

12.5(3) If the results of an audiometric test indicate an abnormal audiogram or show an abnormal shift, the industrial audiometric technician, physician or audiologist administering the test must

1. advise the worker of the test results;
2. request that the worker provide a relevant medical history; and
3. if he or she is not the physician or audiologist engaged by the employer under subsection 12.4(3), forward the results, the relevant medical history and a baseline audiogram to that physician or audiologist.

Annual report

12.6(1) An employer who is required to provide audiometric testing must ensure that an annual written report is prepared that sets out a detailed account of the steps taken by the employer to comply with the requirements of this Part. 12.6(2) The annual report must include

1. the sound control measures taken at the workplace; and
2. statistics in respect of the number of workers
1. who received audiometric testing under clause 12.4(2)(c),
2. who experienced an abnormal audiogram or an abnormal shift, and
3. whose abnormal audiogram and abnormal shift was, in the opinion of the physician or audiologist who reviewed the test results, a result of exposure to noise at the workplace.

Hearing Protection Works - PLEASE USE IT!