W h e n t h e O f f i c e G o s s i p P a s s e s Yo u B y ; How to Beat the Costs of Workplace Noise At many work sites, often the best way to stay informed is to listen to the work-floor chatter. But what if that conversation happens in hushed tones and you don’t want to appear nosy. And to complicate matters, it’s sort of noisy at work so grapevine eavesdropping is hard anyway. Perhaps you hadn’t considered it, but a workplace with a high degree of repeated noise can result in illness or even permanent disability. Noise exposures are among the most common hazards in the workplace and should be of concern to employers. Mitigating the potential effects of loud noise through proper employee awareness and training can help mitigate potential claims and lost productivity.
• Report excessively noisy machinery to a supervisor. The equipment may simply be in need of repair or maintenance to reduce the noise. • Wear hearing protection when required. There are three primary options – ear plugs, canal caps and earmuffs. Each offers a varying degree of noise mitigation capabilities so be sure to match the device with your noise levels. • Stereo headphones or wads of cotton will not protect your hearing. And speaking of headphones, try to avoid listening to your favorite music at an excessive volume. Prolonged exposure at such a volume can also affect your hearing.
How loud is loud? Noise is measured in decibels. Prolonged exposure to noise levels of 90 decibels or higher can cause hearing damage, if proper hearing protection is not applied. As a reference, the chart below displays noise sources and the associated decibel level.
Protection Matters Hearing protection devices fall into three primary categories: earplugs, canal plugs and earmuffs. Each offers unique styling, costs and protection.
Noise Levels A rtillery fire Car horn P neum atic drill S ander
Decibels
F ac tory S treet S ounds Q uiet Hous e W his per 0
20
40
60
So how do you know if your workplace noise levels are at concerning levels? And if they are, how do you manage that potential hazard to promote employee safety? 1. Remember and acknowledge that noise can be a safety hazard. 2. Consider contacting a Certified Industrial Hygienist to assess your workplace and provide insights, including loss control opportunities. Your insurance agent or broker is a good resource, as your insurance provider may have relationships with such specialized vendors. 3. Establish a protocol for employee awareness and education regarding noise management. A campaign should include the following tips:
80
100
120
140
Earplugs can be disposable or permanent. Essentially they work by sealing the ear canal to prevent noise from reaching the more delicate part of the ear. Personally fitted earplugs are molded to the individual ear to ensure a tighter, more comfortable fit—and likely, more effective noise reduction. Canal plugs are soft ear buds fitted at the ends of a headband. While lightweight and comfortable, they don’t really seal the ear canal so best suited for employees who only occasionally enter a loud noise environment in your facility. Earmuffs provide ear cups fitted at the ends of a headband. The cups feature a cushioned surface filled with air or foam to absorb sound.
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