NOISE - 13.06.2022

Is exposure to noise inevitable?

Noise-induced hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a permanent loss of hearing caused by occupational exposure to noise, including frequency, volume and duration. Industries that are susceptible are construction, manufacturing and farming, although most workplaces can be subjected to the hazard. Once NIHL has been diagnosed any additional exposure will cause further deterioration so prevention of additional hearing loss should be a priority. NIHL can severely impact quality of life, so don’t make the assumption that you can do nothing to prevent or control it.

Tip. Don’t think that your workers get used to noise. This isn’t the case and indicates that there is already a problem starting.

Legislative requirements

Because it is well documented that excessive noise causes problems there is specific legislation, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 , which require employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work. Employees have duties too including participating in surveillance and co-operating with their employer by following control measures.

Tip. A three decibel drop in noise halves the impact on hearing health making this small change significant in terms of hearing loss. To achieve this you need to consider the source of the noise, the pathway and the receiver.

What an employer can do

• undertake a noise risk assessment to include noise maps to highlight areas of concern
• communicate areas of concern to your staff so they are aware of the risk. Use our safety briefing - noise (see The next step )
• control the noise at source, i.e. enclose machines
• control the path of noise, e.g. install noise -reducing materials to absorb noise not reflect it
• think about who receives the noise, including their work positioning and hearing protection. This may require supervision to make sure that staff are wearing it correctly
• train workers on the risks and the impacts it may have on their quality of life, e.g. loss of enjoyment of music. Make sure training includes the use of hearing protection.

Tip. A noisy activity or piece of equipment should be scheduled to run at a time when minimal staff are present to reduce impact.

What a worker should do

Here are some guidelines that you can issue to all staff:

• don’t dismiss the threat of noise to your health. Attend the training and follow the advice.
• use good practices when working to reduce noise, e.g. place items with care rather than throwing the to reduce noise on impact
• recognise symptoms of NIHL such as ringing in the ears, trouble understanding conversations and the need to turn up the volume on devices.
• be aware of the noise zones at work and comply with all instructions provided by your employer, e.g. mandatory hearing protection zones and wearing your hearing protection correctly
• participate in hearing screening tests, so you know how you are being affected by noise.

For our safety briefing - noise, visit https://www.tips-and-advice.co.uk , Download Zone, year 20, issue 19.