wcb hearing loss discussion at amc quarterly meeting march 7, 2012
TRANSCRIPT
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
SAFE Work Services
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