Release Date: Mar 3, 2009
File: Media Release Hearing Safety Award

Summary:
Noise induced hearing loss is a permanent but preventable problem.  Montgomery County Water Services received the service sector Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award presented by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in partnership with the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA). 

According to a NIOSH publication, "Public entities in Ohio do not fall under the purview of Federal or State Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), but Montgomery County Water Services proactively addresses each of the components of an effective hearing loss prevention program, often extending beyond minimal regulatory requirements…recognized for the comprehensive approach taken, aiming at excellence in every component of the hearing loss prevention program; for developing innovative strategies for addressing the variable work routine of it noise-exposed workers and for promoting the active involvement of the workforce in its safety and health efforts." 

"Providing a work culture that promotes employee health and safety relates directly to our strategic initiatives," said Greg Merrill, Water Services Director. "This award is the result of the efforts of Connie Muncy, our Safety Officer, and all of our employees.  I am proud of their continued commitment to safety." 


The award was presented at the 34th Annual Hearing Conservation Conference held in February in Atlanta, Georgia.  NIOSH is the federal agency that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries and illnesses.