Hearing loss from too much noise in the workplace is one of
the most common work-related health issues. Every year workers all over the
world suffer from noise exposures loud enough to be extremely hazardous.
Not only does hearing loss affect your life in a negative
way, but it can also be really expensive.
Always be aware that workers should never be exposed to
noise louder than 85 decibels for more than 8 hours.
So, what factors influence hearing loss?
Noise level – As the noise gets higher so does the risk of
hearing loss.
Duration – The longer you sit and expose your ears to the
noise, the more dangerous it becomes.
Impulsiveness – Noises that are abrupt such as hammering,
fireworks, gunfire, etc. are more dangerous than a constant noise at a certain
level.
Intermittency – When there is a time when the noise stops or
quietens down, this allows the ears to rest and reduce the risk of hearing
loss.
If you would like to minimize the risk of hearing loss in
the workplace, make sure you take the correct steps...
1.
Monitor noise exposure
2.
All workers should wear hearing protection
devices. Visit the L&A Safety website here
3.
Engineering and administrative controls
4.
Audiometric evaluation
Complete removal of the noise would be the best option; however
it is not possible in some workplaces such as a construction site. Make sure
your workers wear their hearing protection!
For cheap, high-quality PPE visit L&A Safety in
Robertson, Vredenburg and Cape Town or visit their website here.
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