b'22 SAFETY (continued from pg 21)Programincludeaudiometrictesting, training,andhearingprotection. Audiometrictestingestablishesa workersbaselinehearinglevel,which iscomparedtoannualrechecksto catchpotentialhearinglossasearly aspossible.Trainingmustalsobe conducted annually, with an emphasis ontheeffectsofnoiseexposure onhearingandtheimportanceof hearing protectors. The cost of annual audiograms,annualtraining,and hearingprotectivedevicesshould always be considered when determining the economic feasibility of engineering controls. Noise control engineering will often be cheaper in the long run than a Hearing Conservation Program.Exposuretoloudnoisedoesnotjust damageyourhearing;itcanhavea detrimentaleffectonoverallquality of life. Noise-induced hearing loss can lead to socialWilliam McCaffrey is a Board Certified Safety Professional Dedicated to keeping its members at the forefront in their industryisolation and depression. Stress from noise exposurewith over 25 years of construction safety experience. He is can raise blood pressure and the risk of heart attackVicePresident,EnvironmentalHealthandSafetyforIrex and stroke. Acoustic and noise insulation can improveContracting Group (www.irexcontracting.com) and Vice Chair your workers overall well being. In addition to makingof NIAs Health and Safety Committee. Mr. McCaffrey has your workplace safer and more productive, controllingworkedforgeneral,mechanical,electrical,andspecialty noiseexposurecanmakeyouremployeeshealthiercontracting firms in the industrial and commercial construction and happier. Noise insulation is a win-win for employersmarkets. He can be reached at WMcCaffrey@irexcorp.com.and employees.Reprinted with permission from Insulation Outlook magazine. Copyright2023 National Insulation Association. All rights reserved.The InsulatorDecember 2023'