Latest OSHA emphasis program aimed at noise hazards in New England

Washington – OSHA has launched a Regional Emphasis Program on noise hazards targeting select New England manufacturing and food production facilities.

The REP will specifically target stone, plastic, and metal manufacturing and fabrication workplaces, as well as meat, dairy and bakery production facilities, according to a July 31 announcement from OSHA Region 1, which covers Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

About 22 million workers nationwide are exposed to potentially hazardous noise levels, states the OSHA press release, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more than 20,000 cases of work-related hearing loss in 2011.