NICK CDC-NIOSH in Cincinnati, USA

Follow the adventures of NICK through his CDC/NIOSH blog .

“Nick” was built by students at the University of Northern Colorado for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)* in 2007.

NICK has been used at events targeting those who live or work on farms or work with those who do. The goal is to promote prevention of noise-induced hearing loss among young farmers. Exposures of these young farmers could include both farm noise and inappropriate use of personal music players strictly for pleasure or while working. Nick draws participants’ attention and allows NIOSH staff to discuss exposures from both music players and work-related exposures.

Nick is being used in conjunction with distribution of two companion brochures targeting young farmers and their families. They’re your ears, Protect them: Hearing Loss Caused by Farm Noise is Preventable is designed to increase the awareness of farmers about the relationship between farm noise and the early onset of tinnitus (e.g. ringing or buzzing in the ears) and hearing loss among farmers. Hearing Loss Caused by Farm Noise is Preventable: Young Farmers’ Guide for Selecting and Using Hearing Protection is designed to overview the variety of hearing protection available and when and how to use it. These brochures were produced by NIOSH with assistance of many who live and work on farms or work with farmers.

In October 2007 student nurses from Southeastern Louisiana University used Nick at a health fair conducted at the local county fair for hearing screening and counseling on proper use of hearing protection devices. Also in October 2007, NIOSH staff used Nick in their booth at the 2007 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN.

In December 2007 Nick was used again at two National Conventions held simultaneously in Las Vegas: the National Association of Agricultural Teachers and the Association of Career and Technical Educators.

*NIOSH is part of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Our mission involves prevention of work related illnesses and injuries. Copies of brochures (They’re your ears. Protect them: Hearing Loss Caused by Farm Noise is Preventable and Hearing Loss Caused by Farm Noise is Preventable: Young Farmers’ Guide for Selecting and Using Hearing Protection) can be viewed at www.cdc.gov/niosh. Click on Resources. Free hard copies can be requested at farm.noise@cdc.gov

As of September 2012, Nick has traveled 30,000 miles and seen by 14,000-16,000 people. He has been to 33 events in 10 states and British Columbia.