SAFETY HEADLINESSafety
Nucor Steel Improves Worker Hearing Protection
Oct. 15, 2009 Nucor Steel is using new state-of-the-art VeriPRO earplug fit testing technology from Howard Leight to evaluate whether each individual employee is receiving optimal on-the-job hearing protection.
VeriPRO measures attenuation of earplugs by having the user balance tones presented to each ear at easily heard levels. There is no need for a sound booth or quiet room. VeriPRO earplug fit testing can even be administered in moderate background noise, according to the companies.
At Nucor, the reportable Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) measurements, provided by VeriPRO aid managers with the transition to the EPA's recent Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), change from a fixed number to a range.
In addition, the VeriPRO earplug fit testing system also lets Nucor managers determine whether employees are receiving optimal protection, require additional training on earplug fit testing, or should try a different model.
"You could look at an earplug and the NRR rating on it, but you weren't actually sure which earplug gave the best protection for a specific individual," explained Randy Cooper, site manager of safety, health, and security at Nucor Corp. complex in Huger, S.C. "There was never a way to actually measure the fit and ultimately workers risk hearing loss while companies risked monetary damages and potential regulatory citations."
A new free case study, "Nucor Provides Measurable Worker Hearing Protection with Howard Leight Technology" offers details of the undertaking. The case study is available free to download from: http://www.hearforever.org/nucor.
Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC is a leading global provider of passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions, and the founder of the HearForever initiative. For over 30 years, Howard Leight has pursued the prevention of occupational hearing loss through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs.
With 2008 sales of $23.6 billion, Nucor Corp. is one of the largest producers of steel and steel products in the U.S. It was founded in 1940 and is based in Charlotte, N.C. Nucor employs 20,000 people nationwide, including 900 at its plant in Huger, S.C.