On June 4, 2025, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) participated in the Department of the Interior’s annual Occupational Safety and Health Fair at the Main Interior Building in Washington, D.C. Representing both bureaus, Angela Bynum, CSP, Safety Manager for BSEE and BOEM, connected with approximately 200 attendees through interactive displays and practical safety demonstrations.
Interactive Learning on Hearing Loss Prevention
One station focused on hearing loss prevention, featuring a compelling visual demonstration that used music and a laser pointer to illustrate how sound travels as a pressure wave. The exhibit highlighted how high-pitched, loud sounds create larger waves, which can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear—cells that do not regenerate once harmed.
Attendees received handouts on safe sound exposure limits, prevention strategies, and free resources like the NIOSH sound level meter app. The station also included a hands-on demonstration of proper foam earplug insertion, reinforcing how simple techniques can offer powerful protection in high-noise environments.
Promoting Healthier Workday Habits
A second table emphasized habits for a healthier workday, offering practical tips to boost movement and improve ergonomics. The display outlined seven actionable strategies for staying active at work, including easy exercises that can be done at a desk or workstation. Attendees were also shown how to optimize their workstation setup for both seated and standing positions using a monitor, chair, keyboard, and mouse. Ergonomic handouts and real-time demonstrations provided guidance on proper posture, screen height, and equipment placement to reduce strain and improve comfort throughout the workday.
The event offered a meaningful platform to engage employees on everyday health and safety practices. Through hands-on activities and clear, relatable information, BSEE and BOEM underscored their commitment to fostering a workplace culture rooted in safety, wellness, and continuous learning.