When emergencies happen, people don’t rise to the occasion—they fall to the level of their training. That’s why routine emergency drills, like evacuation and tornado shelter exercises, are one of the most important preparedness tools a company can implement.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains one of the most prevalent occupational illnesses in the United States, with over 22 million workers exposed to hazardous noise each year (NIOSH, 2023). Yet, despite robust Hearing Conservation Programs (HCPs), failures in selecting and fitting appropriate hearing protection devices (HPDs) still lead to preventable auditory damage.

Earplugs, as a form of insert-type HPD, are often the first line of defense. But the “one-size-fits-all” approach to earplug selection is dangerously outdated. To be effective, earplugs must match the noise environment, the anatomical characteristics of the user, task-specific risks, and even psychological and behavioral factors that affect use and compliance.

Frontline supervisors are the linchpin of workplace safety. While senior management sets policies and allocates resources, it’s the frontline supervisor who translates those decisions into real-world actions. Research consistently shows that supervisors play a critical role in influencing safety outcomes—both directly, through behaviors and decisions, and indirectly, by shaping the safety climate perceived by workers.