Occupational noise: Health and safety in the workplace

The celebration of the Hearing Awareness Week (August 24-30, 2014) highlighted the adverse effects of exposure to dangerous noise levels in the construction industry. Hearing, considered a major tool for the trade, is lost or decreased as workers are continually exposed to hazards to it.

Image Source: hsimagazine.com

Studies show that many constructions activities produce sound louder than 90 decibels (dB), to which maximum exposure should be two hours or less. As an Infolink.com article illustrates, the allowable exposure time is equivalent to using the hand drill for two hours, or a jackhammer for about two minutes. Going beyond this limit can cause the tiny hair cells set deep inside the ear to be damaged. Since these cells cannot be replaced or repaired, hearing can be lost forever.

Image Source: pages.drexel.edu

A hierarchy of controls has been established in an attempt to ensure the safety and security of workers in such hazardous conditions. This involves removing or replacing the hazard, isolating people from the hazard, or changing the way they work. Lastly, on the workers’ side, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is highly recommended.

Image Source: cdc.gov

PPEs such as hearing protection devices (HDPs) come in various makes and models, and produce different effects as well. These can be ear plugs, ear muffs, and even ear canal caps. Generally, comfort of use is the major consideration. Preference is based on compatibility, ease of use (as in not getting in the way of using other PPEs), and sometimes, emerging environmental factors like temperature of the surrounding.

All in all, healthy hearing begins with wearing appropriate ear protection, especially with increased exposure to occupational noise, and seeking professional advice for any nascent hearing problem.


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