Noise-related hearing loss is a major occupational health concern. Thousands of workers annually suffer from hearing loss because of high workplace noise levels.
Even when it is short-term, noise can cause a temporary change in hearing.
Noise is measured in decibels (dBA). A small increase in decibels results in huge change in the noise and the potential damage to a person's hearing.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) sets legal limits of 90 dBA on workplace noise exposure. These limits are based on a worker's time weighted average during an 8-hour day. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that workers' exposure be controlled below 85 dBA for 8 hours to minimize occupational noise-induced hearing loss, which limits your ability to hear high-frequency sounds, understand speech and seriously impairs your ability to communicate.
Noise may be a problem in the workplace if:
- You hear ringing or humming in your ears when you leave work.
- You have to shout to be heard by a co-worker an arm's length away.
- You experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work.
Here are some ways to reduce noise hazards
- Engineering controls
- Low-noise tools and machinery
- Maintain and lubricate machinery and equipment
- Place a barrier between the noise source and employees
- Enclose or isolate the noise source
- Administrative controls
- Operating noisy machines during shifts when fewer people are exposed
- Limiting the amount of time a person spends at a noise source
- Providing quiet areas where workers can gain relief from hazardous noise sources
- Restricting worker presence to a safe distance away from noisy equipment
- Hearing protection devices (HPDs)
- Such as earmuffs and plugs (acceptable, but less effective)
To learn how to create and implement an effective hearing conservation program, visit www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/noise/hcp/ and copperpoint.com to view the videos “Hearing Safety I & II.”
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