Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Page 12 Drntortnrc I I VI VVIVI\ At the heart of Clinton Mill's large-scaU Mandatory Hearing Conservation Program i: the tiny device which offers actual protec tion against potentially damaging loud nois< ? ear plug, also referred to as a hearinj protector. Although the Company utilizes severa approaches to hearing conservation, the cor rect use of these plugs, or protectors by em ployees themselves may provide the mos effective barrier between harsh noise an< sensitive parts of the ear. That's why it's so important that person using ear plugs make sure they're wearini them correctly and recheck the fit periodic ally during the work shift. Plugs should be inserted as far as they'r designed to go and not just laid loosely in th outer "cup" of the ear. If there's not a good fit with plugs, th protection just isn't there, and the effective ness of other parts of the program is a Is Do your part to lower medical cost I can't do much about high medical co Not so! You CAN help in many ways 1. Use the cost-saving features of Medical Plan (second surgical opin ambulatory surgery, pre-admission testi 2. Buy generic. When possible, and your doctor's OK, have prescriptions filk their less expensive generic form. 3. Discuss prices with your doctor be treatment. 4. Carefully examine your bills to be you're charged only for the services yoi ceived. 5. Stay away from the emergency r unless it'san EMERGENCY. Calloruse doctor's office for less serious problem 6. Treat illness early. If you delay, il!-' could become more serious and t mem more expensive. You ? of all people ? should be invc in some of the decisions that affect your body, health and well-being. Shop wisely when it comes to health < just as you do when buying a new c. comparing brands of peanut butter. Remember that expensive doesn't al mean "best." And low cost doesn't al mean "crummy." Talk to your doctor a the best place for care (home, hospital, patient center) as well as the best persi provide that care (doctor, nurse, nurse | titioner). Changing your "shopping" habits I time, but pays off in your wallet! WHHHMH > are the he< ? reduced. 5 Other parts of the Mandatory Hearing Conservation Program are numerous and far? reaching. Noise levels in work areas are I monitored, and those areas where hearing protection devices are required are clearly I identified with signs posted at entrances. Wherever feasible, high-level noise is reduced through engineering controls, t Employees who are exposed to noise 1 levels of 85 decibels and above on the iob are required to have periodic audiometric s tests. Those in areas where levels are 85 g decibles and above are required to wear hearing protection devices. e Selection of Styles e For those who are required to use such e devices, Clinton Mills provides a selection of !- approved ear plugs. These are furnished inio tially without charge on a basis of normal s> fTn z your W irt of hearinj wear and tear. Replacements for lost ear plugs must be purchased. When an employee is given the opportunity to pick a style, the Plant Nurse is available to make recommendations according to the employee's type of work, the noise level to which he or she is exposed, and the type which will fit best, based on the anatomy of the employee's ears. The Audiometric technician or nurse also provides instructions on wearing and caring for the style chosen. Plastic Cylinder The Comfit plugs are currently most popular with Clinton people. The Comfit plugs used by employees are flanged, premolded, soft plastic. These plugs are well suited to anyone who has either very large or very small ear canals and are often recommended for such YY $V'v? f l> iT J^CTtXC J St |7 j piuyiuni people. For Home and Sport The objective of wearing hearing protectors is to wear them correctly, so that they can provide all the protection they were designed to give. This kind of protection isn't needed just on the job. Many home sports activities ? involving use of power mowers, chain saws, and gun, for example ? also require hearing protection and shouldn't be overlooked. At the time of the hearing tests, employees are apprised of their test results and certify that they have been trained and prop erly fitted in proper use of ear plugs. Sand timers measure safety Clinton Mills gave each epnployee a three minute sand timer earlier this month as a reminder to always take time to be safe. ine umer, presenieo on me jod in conjunction with three minute safety talks, serves as a constant reminder of Clinton's continuing interest in employee safety. The unique timing devices have often been called the "Time Keeper of the Ages." The Sand Timer was brought to America in 1619 and was the main source of time for the Pilgrims who first colonized New England. Even today, these devicesare common in some of the old New England churches. UJO <j? 2 9 " ? 5221-i ~ I 00 ^ <-> ?. 5 */> 0) 3 O" a oc | M I I <