Latest news with #IHSP
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
NIHL becomes a leading cause of acquired auditory damage
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) has emerged as a leading, yet fully preventable, cause of acquired auditory damage. While occasional loud noise may appear harmless, continuous or intense exposure can lead to a range of short and long-term health effects, say experts at the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) in Mysuru. NIHL is permanent, resulting from sustained exposure to high-decibel environments. Globally, it is the second most common type of acquired hearing loss after age-related hearing loss, technically termed as 'Presbycusis'. AIISH's audiologists Aysha Nida and Sandeep Maruthy say early symptoms such as auditory fatigue, where hearing temporarily recovers after leaving a noisy environment, often go unnoticed. 'But prolonged exposure leads to irreversible damage, with consequences including tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound), and communication difficulties that impact professional and social life,' they said. Quoting World Health Organisation data, the audiologists said over 1.1 billion young people aged between 12 and 35 are at risk of hearing damage due to unsafe listening practices. In India, both industrial workers and youth using personal listening devices face rising vulnerability. A study in Mysuru, conducted by Sreeraj Konadath of the AIISH, reported that noise levels in commercial, residential, and even sensitive zones routinely exceeded the permissible limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board. 'These findings raise concerns about weak enforcement and a lack of public awareness. Industrial screening in Mysuru also revealed that several workers were already exhibiting signs of NIHL, highlighting the urgency of workplace interventions,' Ms. Nida and Mr. Maruthy said, in a write-up on the occasion of International Noise Awareness Day. AIISH, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has long been at the forefront of preventing NIHL through its industrial hearing screening programme (IHSP). The initiative regularly screens industrial workers and other high-risk groups using a copyrighted, evidence-based testing protocol to identify individuals affected by NIHL or at risk of developing it, according to the audiologists. In addition to screening, AIISH has developed a 'structured protocol' for mapping occupational noise levels in various industries. This allows for accurate prediction of NIHL risk among workers, enabling targeted preventive measures, they said. Given the growing burden of NIHL, the AIISH is calling on stakeholders across the country to take proactive steps. The institute has been advocating for making noise mapping and hearing screening mandatory across all industries exposed to hazardous noise levels. With its technical expertise and established protocols, the AIISH can serve as a nodal mentoring centre for guiding and supporting the nationwide implementation of these essential services, the note from the AIISH said. 'On the occasion of International Noise Awareness Day, let us recognise that the ability to hear is not just a sensory experience but a social and emotional is preventable, and the time to act is now. By recognising early signs, adopting protective habits, and making informed choices, we can preserve the gift of hearing for generations to come,' suggest Ms. Nida and Mr. Maruthy.
Iraq Business
22-03-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
Int'l Health and Safety Passport delivered in Iraq for first time
By John Lee. The first Iraqi cohort to complete the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board's International Health and Safety Passport (IHSP) have been presented with their certificates. The 15 learners completed the IHSP Foundation course as part of a five-month pilot construction training programme at Basra Technical Training Centre (BTTC), developed by Wood Al Majal in North Rumaila. IHSP aims to reduce site accidents and improve safety standards across multiple industry sectors in Iraq. Wood Al Majal partnered with Southern Technical University to select students for the IHSP pilot programme. (Source: ECITB)
Zawya
18-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
International Health and Safety Passport delivered in Iraq for first time
ECITB Global's International Health and Safety Passport (IHSP) has been delivered in Iraq for the first time thanks to the development of the Basra Technical Training Centre (BTTC). A cohort of 15 learners completed the IHSP Foundation health and safety course in the southern Iraqi city as part of a five-month pilot construction training programme. The training programme covered a range of Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) accredited courses, including electrical, pipefitting and welding disciplines. The BTTC, developed by Wood Al Majal, is a cutting-edge facility in Basra, Iraq, aimed at advancing training for both local Iraqis and expatriates in the oil and gas sector. The centre, situated in the Al Majal Business Park, North Rumaila, offers a comprehensive range of high-quality, internationally accredited (ECITB) and non-accredited programmes in management, process operations, construction, construction management and maintenance. The BTTC will advance training and development opportunities for local Iraqis to support the growing number of regional energy projects, providing training programmes to international and national oil companies operating in Iraq to contribute to the development of the local workforce. Wood Al Majal will support learners to secure future employment on completion of their training, in the oil and gas and energy sectors. Shaun Dewar, Senior Vice President of Operations, Middle East and Africa at Wood, and Ali Jaffar, President and CEO of Al Majal, said: 'The BTTC is a key part of our strategy to invest in and develop a sustainable energy workforce in Iraq, providing skills development opportunities for both new entrants and existing industry professionals. 'We believe a safe, well-trained workforce is key to the success of the energy industry in Iraq and this underlines our commitment to the region's long-term growth.' Helping increase site safety across the world Learners at the BTTC will complete the ECITB's level two International Competence: Engineering Construction (ICE) vocational programme in electrical installation, pipefitting and welding. The pilot cohort of 15 completed their IHSP safety training, before being presented with their certificates in March 2025. The International Health and Safety Passport (IHSP) ensures that individuals possess a recognised level of health and safety knowledge and awareness to work on engineering and construction sites worldwide. The IHSP is an international version of the CCNSG Safety Passport, the UK's engineering construction industry safety card, and evidences a card holder's ability to work safely on sites across a multitude of industry sectors. Suitable for all members of the workforce, the IHSP helps to reduce accidents on sites and is transferrable between countries and regions. ECITB Head of Commercial Tristan Kemp said: 'As the international division of the ECITB, ECITB Global works with more than 60 licensed training providers across 23 countries worldwide to deliver internationally recognised training and qualifications in key engineering construction industry skills and health and safety programmes. 'We are committed to upskilling workforces and helping to increase site safety in all the countries in which we operate. This includes Iraq, where our International Health and Safety Passport will contribute to reduced accident rates in the country.' Wood Al Majal worked with Southern Technical University in Iraq to select students for the IHSP course and pilot programme. Wood's Billy Pitts is BTTC Centre Supervisor and delivered the IHSP course. On the first cohort, he said: 'The candidates were enthusiastic and keen to learn. They were varied in age, experience and came from a diverse range of backgrounds. 'The International Health and Safety Passport is a good starting place to deliver the fundamentals of health and safety as we look to develop a pool of qualified technicians in the country. 'The programme is about our corporate social responsibility and championing health and safety in Iraq to help raise the standard in industry. It is available to all national and international oil companies operating in Iraq through the BTTC.' Find out more about the International Health and Safety Passport at
