Controlling noise is good safety practice, but it’s also good business practice according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) director Dr. John Howard. He made the comment while announcing winners of this year’s NIOSH Safe-in-Sound awards for excellence in hearing loss prevention.

The top award went to Vulcan Materials Company, a maker of crushed stone, sand, and gravel. VMC’s hearing conservation program combines innovation and low cost. The business provides extensive noise measurement and control training for select employees who help the industrial hygiene staff. VMC also helps mobile employees by integrating GPS and video into noise measurement protocols.

This year’s innovation winners include Johns Manville, the building insulation company. Its hearing loss prevention program uses metrics to track noise exposure levels and training. The second innovation award went to Dangerous Decibels, a university-based hearing program. It uses innovating training strategies that help change attitudes and behaviors. The program includes science museum exhibits, school programs, and public outreach.

To learn more about the award and this year’s winners, visit http://www.safeinsound.us.