In response to a request for a full-service consultation visit, the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program conducted a visit at a commercial launderer in southern Missouri in September of 2023. The launderer had 41 employees. During the consultation, the health consultant determined that noise sampling needed to be done in the washroom area. After noise sampling was done, it was determined that employees were exposed over the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s action level of 85 decibels (dBA).

The health consultant worked with the company to implement engineering controls such as replacing machine covers and performing preventative maintenance to reduce vibrations. Once the noise controls were in place, the consultant conducted follow-up monitoring. The employees’ exposure dropped by 8 dBA, putting them below the action level. The employer now ensures that routine preventative maintenance is done and performs noise sampling with a sound level meter during self-inspection walkthroughs.

The OSHA On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small and medium-sized businesses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories, with priority given to high hazard worksites. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards and how to fix them, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, train and educate workers, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs. On-Site Consultation services are separate from OSHA enforcement efforts. To locate the OSHA On-Site Consultation program nearest you, call 800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit https://www.osha.gov/consultation.