Huh?

You heard it through the grape vine but could you hear it over the noise?

As though you don’t have enough to worry about on the work site, you have to be concerned about something you can’t even see, your ears.

Millions of Americans are exposed to hazardous noise levels on the job making occupational hearing loss the most common work-related injury in the United States costing an estimated $242 million dollars a year in worker’s compensation.

According to the Department of Labor,  one in four workers who have spent their careers working  around constant decibel levels  of 85 or more will likely experience Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).

NIHL is on the increase and agencies such as OSHA and the Office of Naval Research have conducted extensive studies into the causes and alleviation of this irreversible disease.

Proven to cause hearing loss, sound levels and their affect on hearing have been well documented.  And while analysis and medical research continue, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have defined the levels and constancy of noise decibels responsible for audio impairment and loss.

Decibels are measured units of relative loudness and run on a scale from 0 to 130, a pain causing sound.
Take a look at the DBA (decibel) levels of just a few construction tools used every day:

• Jack Hammer 102-111
• Bull dozer 93-96
• Grader 94
• Impact wrench 102
• Miter Saw 92-95
• Jig Saw 88-92
• Electric screw driver 84-88
• Front end loader 86-94

These common tools exceed the 85 dBA limit suggested by OSHA

Noise Induced Hearing Loss victims span a multitude of Industries including Textile, Manufacturing, Plumbing, Ship building, even pottery; but growing concern is being focused on the Construction Industry where grinding machines, cranes,  pneumatic hammers, saws, trucks, mixers, etc. are constant threats to audio impairment.

In addition, traffic around the work site, walls and barriers, condition of tools and equipment and distance from the source, can also be contributing factors to harmful noise levels.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss however, is preventable and there are definitive steps available to reduce exposure to dangerous and possible debilitating sounds in the work place:

1. Increase the distance between you and the noise source
2. Keep all tools and equipment fine tuned
3. Limit use of noisy equipment
4. Turn off equipment when not in use
5. Take breaks
6. Utilize hearing protection devices

There is a growing array of choices in ear protection. Cotton ball ear plugs have been replaced with sophisticated electronic ear plugs that can be professionally fit for optimal performance. Over the head ear muffs lined with acoustic foam and even hard hats with the latest in hearing prevention design are readily available.

Proper fit, good seal, and comfort, while preserving your physical mobility, are essential characteristics for any ear protection choice you make. With proper maintenance and consistent, dedicated use, not only will you extend the life and performance of your purchase, you can work assured and confident that your ears are protected, and you’ll be able to hear  when that 5:00 whistle sounds.

CSLS Honors Randy Lytle with a Scholarship
Randy is the recipient of a scholarship for the In-School Law & Trade License Exam Preparation Program for a general B license. He is looking forward to the opportunities that will open up for him by getting his license; especially being able to pursue better paying jobs.  He has had 25 years in the construction industry and Randy is ready to step up and take on the challenge of the Contractors State License exam.

Are You Prepared to take the Contractor’s License Exam?
The Contractors State License Board held their quarterly board meeting on Friday September 16th and reported on the overall Pass/Fail rates of exam applicants who had taken the California Contractors License Exam.  Of the entire license exams taken July 2010 through June 2011, there were several classifications that reflected a higher than average failure rate and of these the failure rate was nearly double the pass rate. So what might be some of the challenges that applicants might experience in these tests and how can they be better prepared?

Meet the experience qualification: Before starting the process of getting licensed it is important to have invested the years and training as required by the Contractors State License Board.

Choose the correct classification:  Descriptions of each classification are available on the Boards website.  It is important to be familiar with these and to match the correct classification to right skill set.

Math Skills:  Several of the classifications that had higher failure rates required a strong knowledge of working with construction math and having to determine materials required to do the job.  Math skills are required more in some trades than in others and the Board will test in these areas.

Test Taking Skills: Sitting for the Contractors State License exam can be unnerving.  Getting help to improve your skills in test taking and understanding how to take a test can be beneficial towards managing nervousness and ultimately getting a positive result.
For over 25 years CSLS has been helping contractors successfully prepare for the California contractor’s license exam.  We understand the challenges that contractors are faced with during this process. If you have any concerns about successfully passing the exam, we can help.  We aren’t just in the business to sell exam programs; we’re in business to see you succeed.

Tool Maintenance
Halloween merchandise has already hit the stores, a sure sign that winter is fast approaching, and a gentle reminder to start preparing tools and equipment for the changing weather.

Storing or retrieving, preventative tool maintenance before and after use prolongs its life, protects your investment, creates a safer working environment and helps reduce costly and lengthy repairs.  

Committing to scheduled equipment servicing is your best insurance against unexpected breakdowns, injuries and provides the extra assurance your tools will be there for you when you need them most.

It’s not too early to begin. Approved maintenance is required by some manufactures and takes planning and lead time for scheduling, but more commonly, simple maintenance is all that’s needed.

Preserve your ability to work, guard against accidents, and avoid downtime. Be prepared for the job ahead. Check your tools and settle in for the season ahead.

Reminder list:

• Find and refer to Manufacturer’s recommendations
• Replace bits/belts/bulbs
• Replace damaged electrical cords/plugs
• Check/replace  fluids
• Lubricate bearings, moving parts
• Sharpen blades
• Replace filters
• Tighten fasteners
• Record of service