Hearing loss from excessive noise is a preventable occupational hazard. Proper noise control systems, use of personal protective equipment, and employee training can prevent permanent hearing loss. Approximately 22 million workers are exposed to potentially dangerous noise levels at work each year. In the U.S., hearing loss is one of the most common chronic physical health conditions behind high blood pressure and arthritis. Combining awareness of the risks of noise, proper training at work, and the proper use of noise control systems can eliminate hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure.
Who Needs Noise Control Training Programs?
Hearing loss can be caused by aging, disease, injury, or excessive noise exposure. While nearly 1.5 billion people have some degree of hearing loss, 40 million of those are Americans between ages 20 and 69 with hearing loss caused by noise exposure. Hearing loss also impacts other areas of mental and physical health. Anyone suffering from hearing loss is at a greater risk for depression, social isolation, increased fatigue, and stress. Everyone can benefit from the promotion of noise control awareness.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program when noise exposure is at or above 85 decibels (dB) averaged over eight working hours. In addition to the installation of noise reduction systems and the use of controls to limit noise exposure, a hearing conservation program must include providing free annual hearing exams, hearing protection, and annual training for employees.
Even outside of the workplace, individuals can benefit from noise awareness campaigns. Common everyday noises, including music through headphones (112 dB), lawnmowers (65-95 dB), concerts (110-120 dB), and fireworks (162 dB at a close distance), are in the danger zone for excessive noise. Occupational noise control training programs can benefit employees in the workplace and outside the work environment.
Required Noise Exposure Training
OSHA regulations describe the requirements for employers’ annual hearing conservation training. Annual training for all employees exposed to excessive noise needs to include an overview of the effects of noise on hearing; the purpose of hearing protectors, including the advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types; and instructions on selection, fitting, use, and care; and the purpose of audiometric testing (personal hearing testing), and an explanation of the test procedures. There are many options for employee safety training programs. Employee safety companies, industry organizations, non-profits, government agencies, and even manufacturers of PPE often offer training materials, including online programs, to assist employers in ensuring everyone is properly trained. Mandatory training is not the only aspect of promoting noise control awareness in the workplace.
Promoting Noise Control Awareness In The Workplace
Promoting noise control awareness should be a constant occurrence in any work environment, especially for those at higher risk for more noise exposure. Industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture feature louder working environments. Occupational noise control training programs should be an active part of the workplace. Practical tips for employees to help reduce noise should be regularly shared during onboarding and initial training, as well as during safety briefings and other opportunities.
During Onboarding
Noise control training programs are part of the initial onboarding and training of new employees. All industries generally feature safety training, from office environments to high-risk industries such as forestry. Noise exposure training is part of that new employee training. Onboarding should include a review of the risks of excessive noise, OSHA regulations, what noise control systems are in place, and how to effectively use them, as well as training on proper usage of personal protective equipment (PPE). New employees also need to ensure the proper fit of any PPE through fit testing. Training also includes informing new employees of the policies and procedures in place to report and correct any safety concerns, including excessive noise.
Regular Safety Briefings
Employers in industries such as construction, mining, and agriculture hold daily or weekly safety meetings and briefings with their teams. These meetings are a perfect opportunity to promote noise control awareness. Employers can share quick reminders and practical tips for employees to help reduce noise. Anytime employees report a noise-related incident, a debrief, corrective action, and reminders should be shared with the entire team.
New Equipment Training
When machinery is upgraded, new machinery is installed, or there are other logistical changes to the environment that can impact noise levels employers need to include noise awareness in new equipment training. This is an ideal time to promote noise control awareness.
Other Opportunities for Noise Awareness
Employers can implement noise awareness campaigns in addition to training and compliance. Earmuffs and other hearing protection devices generally need to be replaced every few years, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines. Replacing PPE is an ideal time to revisit conversations about practical tips for employees to help reduce noise. Annual employee reviews can include conversations about any safety or health concerns and a reminder for employees to complete their annual hearing testing. International Noise Awareness Day every April and Protect Your Hearing Month in October are prime opportunities to discuss noise with employees. More passive noise awareness campaigns, including signs and posters in break areas and near loud machinery, can serve as regular reminders about the risks of noise.
Promoting a Safety-First Culture
Occupational noise awareness is part of promoting a safety-first culture in the workplace. OSHA requirements and training, as well as any noise control systems, can only do so much good if the environment is not safety-first. Employers and managers can promote a safety-first culture by encouraging feedback and reporting. While OSHA and worker’s rights ensure employees can speak up without fear of retaliation, actively encouraging employees goes a long way. Provide opportunities and clear policies on how to report any safety concerns, including anonymous reporting. Managers and supervisors can lead by example by demonstrating their own commitment to safety and following all protocols. Taking any concerns seriously and conducting routine safety checks and audits helps to create a safety-first environment.
Singer Safety Company
Singer Safety Company has been in the occupational and industrial safety business since 1950. We understand occupational hazards, regulations, and the importance of proper safety equipment. Our Sound Stopper Noise Control System includes customizable noise reduction methods such as acoustic foams, acoustic screens, fiberglass panels, and DIY solutions. Combined with proper training and PPE, our technology ensures your workplace goes beyond basic compliance.
