Understanding Noise Hazards on the Job Site
Brandt always wants to ensure our employees that they are working in a safe environment and their health will never compromised. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that 30 million people in the U.S. are exposed to hazardous noise every year. For the past 25 years noise related hearing loss has been one of the most prevalent occupational health concerns. There are ways to recognize and prevent hearing loss in the work place.
Warning Signs
Noise could be a problem for you in your work place if you are:
- Hearing ringing or humming in your ears after you leave work
- Experiencing co-workers shouting at you in order for you to hear what they are saying at an arm’s length away
- Experience temporary hearing loss after leaving work
How loud is too loud?
OSHA has legal limits on noise expenditure in the workplace. The limits are based on worker’s time weighted average over an 8 hour day. For noise, OSHA’s permissible exposure limit is 90 dBA for all workers for an 8 hour day. The national Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that all workers exposed to noise should be controlled under a level equal to 85 dBA for 8 hours to minimize occupational noise induced hearing loss.
Reduce the hazard from noise
- Choose low-noise tools and machinery
- Maintain and lubricate machinery and equipment
- Place a barrier between the noise source and employee
- Enclose or isolate the noise source
- Limit the amount of time a person spends at a noise source
- Provide quiet areas where workers can gain relief from hazardous noise sources
- Wear hearing protection devices such as earmuffs and plugs
- Implement an effective hearing conservation program
All of these elements are critical to ensure that workers are being protected in high noise environments in the workplace. Brandt is always making sure our employees and work environment is a safe place to work.