Maj Joe Narrigan, Maj Jenny Rainwater, and Maj Rob Pluta
Exposure to noise is the single most prevalent occupational hazard faced by today’s Airmen. The AF Hearing Conservation Data Registry reports 185,000 active duty, air reserve component members and civilian workers are enrolled in the Air Force Hearing Conservation Program (HCP). Mere compliance to standards does not guarantee program success. Successful occupational health programs are built around a team of medical, safety and line professionals committed to ensuring worker safety and health through comprehensive program planning and execution that includes internal audit processes. The audit process allows program managers to identify program weaknesses and target improvement by using available HC data. The HC SME should assist MAJCOM program mangers by facilitating HC reports and consulting on HC issues.