Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention - New release training programme

The most up-to-date training resource on Hazardous Noise in the Workplace has just been released… “Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention”.

Noise in the workplace accounts for the vast majority of noise induced hearing loss in the community.

Hearing loss usually occurs gradually, over years, and it’s mostly painless, so by the time the damage is done, it is too late. While there is no cure for hearing loss, it can be prevented by proactively managing exposure to hazardous noise levels.


Topics covered:
- Understanding How Sound Works
- Hearing Loss and Health Effects
- Hazardous Noise
- Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
- Reducing Noise
- Personal Hearing Protection
- Proper Use of PPE
- Audiometric Testing

The Australian Version

Based on the harmonised Work Health and Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice, this training resource is suitable for personnel at all levels and reinforces the fundamental concepts that underpin all successful noise management programmes.

The UK Version

Based on The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2006, this training resource is suitable for personnel at all levels and reinforces the fundamental concepts that underpin all successful noise management programmes.

Click here for more information or to preview 'Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention'.
Available as part of TrainNOW.
For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Employees exposed to potentially deadly bacteria

A trust has been fined for safety failings after employees were exposed to a potentially deadly strain of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (TB) bacteria when a test vial smashed in a specialist laboratory.

The HSE identified the following issues with the management and maintenance of the containment facility:
• Inadequate risk assessments for activities involving TB
• Critical control measures weren't examined, monitored, tested or maintained
• Poor emergency arrangements in the event of an incident
• Those responsible for health and safety were lacking appropriate training

The test vial containing a strain of TB bacteria smashed when it fell to the floor. Three employees were present and a fourth risked exposure when she helped with the clean up operation.

No-one suffered any adverse effects, but The Trust should also have better implemented appropriate and adequate control measures, and ensured that staff were suitably trained. The Trust was fined £12,500 and ordered to pay £25,000 in costs.

Vocam Training Videos
Hazardous Chemicals - GHS Classification & Communication
Hazardous Substances Safety Essentials

E-learning Courses
Hazardous Chemicals: GHS Classification and Communication - E-Learning
Safety Awareness – E-Learning
Hazardous Substances Safety Essentials - E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2013/rnn-ldn-01013.htm

Manufacturer cited for failing to protect workers from exposure to hazardous materials

OSHA has cited a manufacturer with 6 serious safety violations for failing to protect workers from exposure to hazardous materials and provide adequate emergency response plans and training at the company's manufacturing plant. Proposed fines total $41,200.

"Manufacturers need to demonstrate a commitment to properly training and protecting workers from exposure to hazards," said Tom Bielema, OSHA's area director in Peoria.

3 of the violations involve failing to ensure workers used protective equipment when exposed to hazards capable of causing injury and impairment. These included a lack of hand, eye and face protection for workers exposed to liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids.

The remaining violations involve failing to include evacuation routes and procedures in the company's emergency response and contingency plan and to ensure workers engaged in emergency response involving inhalation hazards were provided with breathing apparatus for respiratory protection and trained on adequate emergency response.

Vocam Training Videos
Safety Awareness
Handling and Storage of Hazardous Substances

E-learning Courses
Safety Awareness– E-learning
Hazard Communication Safety Essentials – E-learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.
Source: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=23538

Aerospace company prosecuted after worker’s eyes burnt with caustic soda

An aerospace company has been fined for safety failings after a worker injured his eye whilst cleaning out a tank containing caustic soda.

The 39-year-old sustained a chemical burn to his eyelid and inside his tear duct after flicking sodium hydroxide crystals into his face. He required emergency treatment at hospital.

The employee was standing in a tank containing a solid crystalline material composed largely of sodium hydroxide. Whilst chipping away at the material, his protective mask misted up and as he took it off to clean the visor, some caustic crystals flicked onto his eye lid.

The worker was not only exposed to risks from working with a hazardous material, but could also have fallen into the storage tank. The company was fined £17,000 and ordered to pay £3,246 in costs.

Health and Safety Executive Inspector Vicky Fletcher commented: “The company failed to adequately assess the risks and failed to provide adequate control measures to ensure the job could be done safely.”

Vocam Training Videos
Hazardous Chemicals - GHS Classification & Communication
Hazardous Substances Safety Essentials
Safety Awareness

E-learning Courses
Hazardous Chemicals: GHS Classification and Communication – E-Learning
Hazardous Substances Safety Essentials - E-Learning
Workplace Environmental Awareness - E-Learning
Safety Awareness – E-Learning

Available as part of TrainNOW. For more information, contact us or visit our website.

Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2012/rnn-e-infliteengineering.htm?eban=rss-