NOISE - 13.03.2006

A “hard drive” to distraction

Known problems

Noise in the workplace is not a new issue and there are strict laws governing it. But while factory workers and those in heavy industry are well protected, there are increasing concerns, due in part to the move to open plan offices, about the effects of increasing low-level background noise on employees within the workplace. Research results have indicated that office noise can hamper their ability to do a good job. The clatter of the computer keyboard, the ringing of colleagues’ telephones and general office chatter can play havoc with an employee’s stress level, memory and ability to concentrate on tasks. Is this a real safety issue and if so, what should you do about it?

Practical control measures

Give everyone a pair of ear defenders? It’s an option but probably not a particularly practical one. As with high noise levels you should focus your attention on removing the noise at source. There are a number of alternatives if money isn’t an option, including brand new PCs with low noise levels, provision of quiet rooms, desks with special units for computer drivers etc. But you can probably achieve much the same effect without spending much, if any, money. How?

Tip. In real terms you probably have more important health and safety issues to worry about. However, monitor the level of complaints. If they’re on the increase consider these low-cost options:

• shut doors between production areas and office areas. If you have problems with this put a small sign on, or next to the door, to remind people to close it

• ban the use of private mobile phones. With the continuing development of phones, they have the ability to be louder and play even more annoying tunes, even when they’re indicating a text message has been received. Also if people use mobiles they’re able to have conversations throughout the office rather than at their desks. If the use of mobiles is vital, encourage your staff to use them at their desks or even in a meeting room, if you have one

• if you have a meeting room, encourage people to use it, even for informal meetings, rather than standing around desks or in doorways chatting noisily.

• introduce plants to break up open-plan areas. They will actually improve the air quality as well as providing a significant noise barrier.

Reasonable action

Taking these steps may seem quite dramatic. But you might be surprised at the results - firstly, in improved productivity levels and general morale, and secondly, they may help reduce sickness and absenteeism levels.

Are the HSE interested?

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) aren’t going to be bashing down the door asking you to turn your air conditioning and heating systems off. They’re continuing with a policy of only tackling high risk businesses and the causes of serious ill-health. They’re generally only completing visits in relation to the campaigns they’re running and even if they visit to look at noise issues it will be to check on levels capable of causing noise induced hearing loss, not low-level noise.