Are you concern about noise exposure of the workers in the workplace? There is a good reason why you're bothered about high level of noise - it causes disturbance, and distracted concentration that leads to poor job performance.
Noise levels in the workplace are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA has set permissible exposure limits for noise. These limits are based on a time-weighted average (TWA) of 8 hours.
OSHA also requires employers to provide hearing protection and implement safety measures to reduce noise exposure of the workers to this kind of pollution.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that 22 million workers in the US are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work.
OSHA requires employers to measure noise levels and provide some protection for workers who are exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average noise level of 90 decibels (dBA) or greater.
If the 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) noise level is between 85 and 90 dBA, the employer is required to do measures such as implementing a program to reduce exposure of the workers to noisy work environment and prevent hearing loss. If the 8-hour TWA noise level is 90 dBA or more, the employer must reduce the noise exposure to below 90 dBA.
Here are the Applicable OSHA Standards
To learn more about applicable and related OSHA laws regarding this matter, please the resources below:
- Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act or the so-called the General Duty Clause
- 1904.10 - Recording criteria for cases involving occupational hearing loss
- 1910 Subpart G - Occupational Health and Environmental Control
- OSHA standards 29 CFR 1910.95 for general industry
What Can an Employer Do to Protect Workers
OSHA sets permissible noise levels in the workplace to protect employees from hearing loss. The noise level is measured in decibels (dB). Employees who are exposed to noise levels above 90 dB over an average 8-hour workday are at risk for hearing loss and must be provided with hearing protection.
Two of the simplest hearing protection devices are earplugs and earmuffs. Earplugs are inserted into the ear canal and can be disposable and are very cheap. Earmuffs fit over the ears and create a seal to keep out noise, earmuffs create much better protection than earplugs. Employees who are exposed to noise levels above 90 dB must wear earplugs or earmuffs.
OSHA also requires employers to provide workers with the necessary training on noise exposure and hearing protection. Workers should be aware of the noise levels in their work environment and how to use hearing protection properly. A risk assessment must be performed so appropriate safety measures can be done to protect workers from this kind of pollution.
A safety officer designated to monitor the noise should be assigned in the area. Doing so warns the workers of the high level of sounds from the other groups creating the noise. The safety officer in-charge can make a work schedule and coordinate this to supervisor so that groups of workers don't work in the rea at the same time.
How to Measure Levels
There are a few different ways to measure noise levels. The most common way is to use a sound level meter. This type of device is relatively inexpensive and easy to use. There are also more sophisticated devices available such as the octave band analyzers, but they are generally not necessary for most applications.
To use a sound level meter, you simply hold it close to the source of the noise and press the button. The device will then give you a reading in decibels. It is important to note that the readings will be different depending on the type of meter you use.
Two of the most popular sound level meters in the market are the following:
- A-weighted sound level meters measure noise levels in a way that reflects the way human hearing works. This type of meter is best for measuring noise levels in everyday situations.
- C-weighted sound level meters measure noise levels in a way that reflects the way industrial noise is measured. This type of meter is best for measuring noise levels in industrial or construction settings.
What To Do If Levels are Too High
- If noise levels are too high, there are a few things the employer can do to mitigate the noise. First, try to identify the source of the noise and see if there is anything that can be done to reduce the noise at the source. If the noise is coming from machinery such as forklifts, see if there are any ways to reduce the amount of time the machinery is running.
- If the noise is coming from co-workers, see if there are ways to reduce the amount of time you are exposed to the noise or schedule work so that both group of workers don't work simultaneously in the same area.
- Both OSHA and NIOSH has given limit a worker can tolerate over an 8-hour work period - 90 dBA and 85 dBA, respectively. Every increase of 5 dB per OSHA and 3dB per NIOSH to the said limit, the exposure of the worker to the noise in the workplace should be reduced to 50% to avoid reaching allowable noise dose.
How to Protect Workers from This Kind of Pollution
Noise exposure is one of the most common workplace hazards. It can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and other health problems. There are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself from noise exposure:
Wear earplugs or earmuffs when working in the area.
Take breaks in quiet areas to give workers break.
If you must be in a noisy area, try to stay as far away from the noise source as possible.
Install safety signs in designated places to warn workers to wear proper PPE.
Implement administrative controls to limit workers from working in this kind of work environment. The controls may include creating a roster for work planning in the high-level noise area.
If the worker may have been exposed to loud noise for long period, let the workers be seen by a doctor see or other healthcare provider to have your hearing checked.
Work scheduling in the workplace can be implemented so that workers don't get mixed with others whose work create a lot of noise. The scheduling also limits workers from working in the noisy environment.
How to Create a Noise Reduction Program
Every workplace has its own unique challenges when it come to this kind of problem. Source of the noise must be determined first and check whether this within the normal limit. This can be done by conducting a risk assessment or hazard analysis for this particular issue. Once you know the noise level, you can begin to look for ways to reduce it.
The employer can create a written policy that outlines the acceptable levels and how to reduce exposure to noise. And communicate the policy to all workers through provision of training that tackles this issue specifically or discuss the matter in the toolbox talk prior to starting work shift.
Common Types of Noise-Related Injuries
There are four main types of noise-related injuries: hearing loss, tinnitus, acoustic shock, and noise-induced vasoconstriction.
Hearing loss is the most common type of noise-related injury. It can be caused by exposure to loud noise over a long period of time, or by a single exposure to a very loud noise. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent.
Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or whistling sound in the ears that is not caused by an external noise. It can be caused by exposure to loud noise, or it can be a side effect of certain medications.
Acoustic shock is a sudden, loud noise that can cause pain, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss. It can be caused by exposure to a loud noise, or by using certain types of headphones or earbuds.
Noise-induced vasoconstriction is a condition in which the blood vessels in the ears constrict in response to loud noise. This can cause dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Some of the FAQ to Help You
1. How often should noise level monitoring be conducted?
The frequency of monitoring should be conducted at a frequent interval as long there is a reason to believe that noise in the exceeds the limit. The monitoring should be recorded and indicate the actual decibels and the period the workers are exposed to the noise.
2. What are some of the specific ways that employers can protect workers from noise exposure?
Employers can take a number of steps to protect workers from noise exposure, including:
- Providing workers with hearing protection devices, such as earplugs or earmuffs
- Enforcing a strict policy on the use of loud machinery
- Posting signs and warnings in areas where noise levels are high
- Conducting regular noise level checks
3. What are the consequences of noise exposure for workers?
- Stress, increase in blood pressure level, permanent hearing loss,
- Increase in accidents and injuries in the workplace
- decrease in workers' productivity
4. What are the other laws and legislation related to this matter?
- EPA 40 CFR 211, Product Noise Labeling
- FRA 49 CFR 227, Occupational Noise Exposure for Railroad Operating Employees
- 49 CFR 229, Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards
- MSHA 30 CFR 62, Occupational Noise Exposure
5. How to tell the workplace has noise problem?
If the worker has to raise their voices when conversing. If they can't hear each other from 3 feet away is a tell-tale sign that the noise level is above the allowable limit.
6. How to reduce exposure?
Train the workers to identify noise in their respective area of assignment; if there is enough reason that the noise exceeds the maximum limit, immediate report it to supervisor for immediate corrective and preventive actions. Doing sound level monitoring prevents workers from long exposure to this kind hazardous situation.
To Make a Conclusion
Noise exposure can cause a number of health problems for workers, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness. In extreme cases, it can lead to depression and anxiety. Noise exposure can also interfere with a worker's ability to concentrate and perform their job tasks effectively.
OSHA has set requirement for the allowable limit of noise the workers can tolerate. Noise level should be regularly monitored to protect workers from this kind of hazard. Employer has the obligation to provide necessary ear protection to the employees and supply appropriate training to mitigate exposure to such dangerous situation.
