Approximately 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job each year. In fact, noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational illnesses that Laborers encounter. Noise exposure can cause temporary changes in hearing, such as ringing or muffled sounds. These short-term problems usually go away within a few minutes or hours after eliminating the noise. However, repeated exposures can lead to permanent hearing loss or a constant ringing in the ear called tinnitus.

 

PREVENTION
 

Noise-induced hearing loss is fully preventable. But once acquired, it's permanent and irreversible. Employers and workers must take preventive measures to preserve and protect workers' hearing. The best way to reduce hearing loss is to reduce noise exposure through the use of engineering controls, administrative controls, and hearing protection.

 

ENGINEERING CONTROLS
 

• Install mufflers and/or silencers on equipment.

• Replace worn machine parts that cause vibration.

• Keep machine parts lubricated to reduce friction.

• Erect acoustical barriers around generators.

• Install sound-absorbing systems on hand tools.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
 

Turn off equipment not in use and limit the time of exposure to stay within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) noise limits.

 

HEARING PROTECTION
 

OSHA requires the use of hearing protection for workers exposed to average noise levels above 90 decibels over an 8-hour period. Hearing protection such as ear plugs or ear muffs can reduce noise by 15-30 decibels. Each hearing protection device has a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) that states how much it will reduce noise. Protection should be chosen that reduces noise exposure to a level that falls within OSHA standards. Remember, hearing protectors