WASHINGTON – Three inventors were recognized for their ideas to reduce
work-related hearing loss during the first ‘Hear and Now - Noise Safety
Challenge’ hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and
Health Administration and Mine Safety and Health Administration, in partnership
with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health on October 27,
in Washington, D.C.
The challenge was launched with
the dual goals of inspiring creative ideas and raising business awareness of
the market for workplace safety innovation. Ten finalists, selected from 28 submissions to Challenge.gov, were
invited to Washington, D.C., to present their solutions to reduce
workplace-induced hearing loss.
“This event was an innovative way for government to help better
protect workers from job-related hearing loss by connecting the
entrepreneurial community with inventors developing solutions,” said Assistant
Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels.
A
panel of judges awarded first place to Nick Laperle and Jeremie Voix for their
custom-fitted earpiece designed to provide a worker with protection, communication,
and monitoring.
Brendon
Dever was selected for second place for a wearable sensor technology that
affixes to glasses or protective equipment such as hardhats. The sensor detects
noise levels and provides warnings and other communications via color-coded
lights.
Third place was awarded to Madeline Bennett for
an interchangeable decorative piece that attaches to silicone earplugs. The
attachments are manufactured with licensed designs for sports teams,
businesses, or music festivals.
For more information and pictures, please visit the DOL Hear and Now webpage.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970,
employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their
employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men
and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education
and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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