OSHA's Springfield Area Office, American Safety and Supply Inc. of Springfield, and Industrial Hearing Testing of Auburn, all of Massachusetts, have created an alliance to reduce workplace noise hazards. Mary Hoye, OSHA's area director in Springfield says, "Continual exposure to high noise levels can lead to hearing loss. The key to preventing hearing loss is in knowing how to identify, address, and minimize workplace noise hazards, be that workplace a factory, construction site, or other venue."

The alliance will develop training and education programs, educational materials, and resources for noise-related safety and health issues, and preventing hearing loss in both construction and general industry workplaces for the central and western Massachusetts area.