What action is primarily the responsibility of an occupational health nurse in a hearing conservation program?

The primary responsibility of an occupational health nurse in a hearing conservation program involves enrolling employees into the Hearing Conservation Program (HCP). This critical role encompasses assessing the needs of employees, determining their exposure to noise levels, and ensuring compliance with regulations regarding hearing health. By enrolling employees, the nurse helps initiate the process of monitoring and managing auditory health, thereby facilitating preventive measures.

In managing the hearing conservation program, the nurse acts as a central figure who coordinates the various aspects of the program, ensuring that each employee at risk of hearing loss is properly monitored and educated about the importance of hearing protection. This aspect of the role is vital for establishing a comprehensive approach to preventing occupational hearing loss and promoting overall auditory wellness within the workplace. Other aspects, such as conducting audiometric evaluations and fitting hearing protection devices (HPDs), typically involve specialists, while the reporting of hearing loss data aligns with various team members' responsibilities.