wcb hearing loss discussion at amc quarterly meeting march 7, 2012

WCB Hearing Loss

Discussion at AMC Quarterly Meeting

March 7, 2012

Talking Points

Two types

Noise-induced hearing loss (noisy environment over a

period of time)

Traumatic hearing loss (eg. Explosion)

Approx 1000 hearing loss claims submitted each year

80% Accepted

Approximately $5.5 million spent per year on hearing

loss claim entitlement 2

Talking Points

Noise Induced Hearing Loss (policy 44.20.50.20) Exposure - 2 years based generally upon an average of 85

decibels for 8 hours of exposure on a daily basis

For every increase in noise levels by 3dba, the required

exposure time will be cut by half worker

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Threshold Limit Value

TLV is the amount of time that workers can be safely exposed

to a particular noise level:

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dBA Hours per day exposure(for 2 year period)

85 8

88 4

91 2

94 1

97 1/2 (30 minutes)

100 1/4 (15 minutes)

103 1/8 (12.5 minutes)

106 1/16 (6 minutes)

109 1/32 (3 minutes)

dBA Period of exposure(at 8 hours per day)

85 2 years

88 1 year

91 6 months

94 3 months

97 1½ months

100 3/4 month (22 days)

103 3/8 month (11 days)

106 3/16 month (7 days)

109 3/32 month (9 days)

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Talking Points

The employer of record is the last (registered)

employer in Manitoba where the worker was exposed

to noxious noise

The date of accident will be:

a. The date a loss of earnings has occurred, or

b. The date of an audiogram which shows evidence of noise-induced hearing loss.

(DOA is not established on the date worker was first exposed to noise) 6

Talking Points

Multiple employers could be responsible for noise

exposure, WCB can cost apportion amongst different

accounts

Typical costs: Hearing aid $1200 Impairment Award $8000 Tinnitus Accepted after year 2000 (2% impairment) Typical aids are replaced every 5 years

** all above costs are currently being reviewed in consideration

towards drafting a service agreement with providers 7

- Dave Kramer

- SAFE Work Coordinator

- Ph: (204) 954-4402

dkramer@wcb.mb.ca

SAFE Work Services

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