BOSTON – Wood products manufacturers, plus those engaged in the fabrication of metal, plastic and stone are among workplaces included in a new outreach and regional enforcement emphasis program targeting the hazards of high noise levels in New England.

The program, recently launched by Boston office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, will identify and inspect workplaces with high noise levels and provide outreach to employers. OSHA said it hopes the program will raise awareness among employers and employees about noise hazards.

OSHA estimates that approximately 22 million American workers are exposed to potentially damaging nosie each year. The safety agency said that in 2011, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more than 20,000 cases of work-related hearing loss.

"Hearing loss is a serious matter. Exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss that cannot be corrected through surgery," said Marthe Kent, OSHA's regional administrator for New England. "To prevent that from happening to workers, we are encouraging employers to explore and pursue better safeguards for their employees against everyday workplace noise hazards."

Learn more about Occupational Noise Exposure, including OSHA regulations, enforcement and controls.