Best Tips and Tools to Protect Against Noise Hazards in the Workplace

Noise-induced hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition among adults in the US. But there are simple tips and tools you can use to prevent this problem and transform your workplace into a safer environment.

Noise-induced hearing loss is a serious issue in the workplace. In fact, in the United States alone, 12% of the working population suffer from hearing difficulties, and it has become the third most common chronic physical condition among adults in the nation, according to the CDC.

Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of noise hazards in the workplace, this includes prolonged exposure to noise caused by high-power tools, as well as loud conversation and background noise.

To minimize the chances of your employees suffering from hearing impairment, here are 3 ways to protect against noise hazards in the workplace.

1. Set Up Acoustic Barriers

One of the most straightforward ways to prevent hearing loss caused by noise exposure in the workplace is to set up sound-absorbing acoustic barriers. For example, acoustic foam, panels, or curtains are all great ways to filter out or reduce high-decibel noises to a minimum.

2. Enforce the Use of PPE

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that all workers should wear hearing protection equipment when engaged in work that exposes them to noises louder than 85dB.

Though it is a recommendation, not a requirement, employers should still enforce the use of personal protection equipment to prevent employees from experiencing lifelong acoustic trauma.

3. Reduce Employees’ Time in Loud Areas

A one-time exposure to an extremely loud sound can already cause serious harm to the ears. Needless to say, prolonged exposure to loud noises can result in irreversible destruction to the acoustic nerve and cause hearing loss.

To prevent work injuries like this from occurring, make sure to limit the amount of time employees spend in loud areas by allowing them to take breaks regularly or conduct other tasks in quieter environments.

More Tips & Tools to Protect Against Workplace Noise Hazards – Infographic

For more information on how to protect against noise hazards in the workplace and tips on the best hearing protection equipment and tools for your employees, check out the neat infographic below by the folks at Zoro that’ll help you transform your workplace into a safer environment.