NHCA 2021 Virtual Conference

CAOHC does an excellent job of defining the various tasks that can be part of the ‘Professional Supervisor’ role of a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP). OSHA CFR 29 1910.95 does not provide specific task guidance per se, but is clear in its Standard that all programs must be ‘responsible to an audiologist or physician’. As employers are typically more familiar with OSHA than they are with CAOHC, Professional Supervisors are left with hefty job of educating employers in terms of what the scope of practice is for the licensed health care professional overseeing HCPs. Thankfully, there are HIPPA-compliant internet-based tools that facilitate both employee assessment as well as associated follow-up actions that can communicate progress real-time and allow for effective collaboration between professionals who may not even be located in the same state. I remain continually impressed with the dedication and professionalism of Health and Safety Professionals running HCPs. Current innovative technology such as protected web portals help bridge the distance gap between these two parties to allow for optimal guidance and effective day-to-day management of HCPs.

Learning Objectives:
As a result of this Continuing Education Activity, readers will be able to:
1) Assess the difference in terminology between CAOHC and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 as it pertains to professional supervision of Hearing Conservation Programs.
2) Determine techniques incorporating current internet-based technology that can help manage HCPs remotely.
3) Identify strategies to help Professional Supervisors develop effective communications with Health and Safety Professionals.