By Samantha Harsh, Health & Safety Consultant
Hearing conservation programs aim to prevent the onset of occupational hearing loss, maintain and protect existing hearing abilities, and provide workers with the essential knowledge and hearing protection equipment required for their safety. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “Employers are required to measure noise levels; provide free annual hearing exams, hearing protection, and training; and conduct evaluations of the adequacy of the hearing protectors in use (unless changes made to tools, equipment, and schedules result in worker noise exposure levels that are less than the 85 dBA).”
Health Effects
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 22 million workers are subjected to potentially damaging noise at work every year. Exposure to high noise levels can cause different health effects in workers. These can lead to permanent and irreversible hearing loss. Below are health effects that can occur from high noise levels/exposure.
» Noise-induced hearing loss
» Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
» Hypertension (high blood pressure)
» Cardiovascular adverse effects
» Sleep disturbances
» Increased incidence of diabetes
» Stress
Noise Monitoring Surveys
If employees are exposed to high noise levels, employers should obtain accurate noise data by conducting a noise survey for employees. During a noise monitoring survey, employees are typically monitored for the duration of their shift. A noise monitoring survey systematically assesses noise levels in the workplace. It typically involves:
» Pre-Assessment Planning: Identifying areas where noise is generated and determining when and how long measurements will be taken.
» Measurement: Using sound level meters or dosimeters to collect noise data over specific periods.
» Analysis: Evaluating the collected data against established guidelines and standards, such as those from OSHA.
» Reporting: Documenting findings and making recommendations based on the data collected.
Regular surveys allow us to comply with OSHA regulations and take proactive steps to protect employee health.
Protecting Workers
After conducting a noise monitoring survey, it’s vital to implement strategies to reduce excessive noise levels.
» Engineering Controls: Isolating noisy machines, using sound barriers, or selecting quieter equipment
» Administrative Controls: Implementing job rotation schedules can minimize lengthier exposure for workers
» Personal Protective Equipment: Providing earplugs or earmuffs can help protect employees from high decibel levels.
Regular noise monitoring surveys are essential for protecting our hearing and overall health.
Resources
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)’s Sound Level Meter measures workplace sound levels and offers noise exposure parameters to mitigate occupational noise-induced hearing loss. The app is available for mobile iOS devices.
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