What should be implemented if a worker is exposed to excessive noise in the workplace?

Implementing a hearing conservation program along with providing hearing protection is essential when a worker is exposed to excessive noise in the workplace. This approach ensures a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. A hearing conservation program typically includes the following key components: monitoring noise levels, conducting regular employee training on the risks of noise and proper use of hearing protection, providing appropriate personal protective equipment like earplugs or earmuffs, and promoting regular hearing tests to track any potential changes in hearing ability.

By establishing this program, employers create a proactive environment that not only protects workers but also complies with OSHA regulations designed to safeguard hearing in noisy environments. The combination of a systematic approach to exposure control with availability and enforcement of hearing protection is critical in effectively protecting workers' auditory health. This option fully addresses both prevention and compliance, making it the most suitable choice for addressing excessive noise exposure in the workplace.