million workers are exposed to noise levels that could potentially harm their health. Occupational hearing loss is the most common occupational illness in the manufacturing sector. Workers in exceptionally high noise environments, such as musicians, mine workers, and even those involved with stock car racing, are at a much higher risk of developing hearing loss, when compared to other workers (e.g., factory workers, etc.). While permanent noise-induced hearing is often preventable through proper hearing protection, limiting the amount of time one is exposed to high levels of noise is still required. As such a widespread issue, NIOSH has been committed to preventing future hearing loss for workers by establishing recommended exposure limits (RELs) of 85 dB(A) for an 8-house time-weighed average (TWA). The Buy Quiet program was developed by NIOSH to encourage employers to reduce workplace noise levels by purchasing quieter models of tools and machinery. Additionally, a partnership with the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) has resulted in the creation of the Safe-in-Sound Award to recognize excellence and innovation in the field of hearing loss prevention. Furthermore, OSHA's development and implementation of the Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) has required employers to more effectively protect their workers against noise levels that are too high. The HCP empowers workers to not only receive noise exposure testing, as well as audiometric testing, but also to have access to noise protection devices adequate for the noise levels they are being exposed to. See also Health hazards in semiconductor manufacturing occupations Health and safety hazards of nanomaterials Health and safety hazards of 3D printing Hazards of synthetic biology Occupational hazards in dentistry Occupational hazards of fire debris cleanup Occupational hazards of grain facilities Occupational hazards of human nail dust Occupational hazards of solar panel installation References Occupational safety and health