AMPLATS hearing protection device (HPD) survey and the proposed model for quality hearing conservation

Abstract

Hearing damage cannot be `seen' or `felt' and people harmed are not always readily aware of it. For this reason (amongst others) NIHL is regarded as the silent disease, which is one of the reasons why hearing conservation has been a very low priority in South Africa and in the rest of the world. Quality of human capital and quality of work-life (QWL) need quantum improvement measures due to the world-wide problem of inadequate risk management. Human error, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and a top management perception that health and safety is not an investment, cost saving or added value are among the factors leading to the vast majority of incidents, defects and accidents. This paper will provide a thorough background and motivation for a quantum leap in hearing conservation. This is followed by a summary of the hearing protection device (HPD) survey done at Amplats that confirms the hypothesis that a new era of custom-made HPDs has arrived. Second best quality for the `second defence against noise' is not good enough. The minimum standard for hearing protection is custom-fitted, durable and truly personalized HPDs. This concept is incorporated as the catalyst for a hearing conservation programme and the model for total quality hearing conservation (used by Noise Clipper). It is also used as a framework or benchmark. The results of the HPD survey are incorporated in the Noise Clipper model, and also in the `proposed hearing conservation programme' of the Chamber of Mines, which is being written under the Mines Health and Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.