Which of the following can be a consequence of not having a hearing conservation program?

The consequence of not having a hearing conservation program is indeed the increased risk of hearing loss. Hearing conservation programs are essential in workplaces with high levels of noise exposure, as they aim to identify, monitor, and mitigate risks associated with occupational noise. Without such a program in place, employees are often subjected to prolonged exposure to hazardous noise levels, which can lead to permanent hearing damage or loss.

When a comprehensive hearing conservation program is executed, it includes practices such as regular hearing assessments, noise monitoring, the provision of personal protective equipment (like earplugs or earmuffs), employee training on the risks of noise exposure, and strategies to reduce noise levels in the workplace. The absence of these vital components means that employees may not have access to the resources or knowledge needed to protect their hearing effectively.

The other options, such as improved employee morale, enhanced workplace productivity, and lower health insurance premiums, may not be directly correlated with the lack of a hearing conservation program. In fact, without proper hearing protection measures, morale can suffer due to health concerns among employees, productivity may decrease because of hearing-related issues, and the costs associated with treating hearing loss could potentially lead to higher health insurance premiums rather than lower ones.