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Hearing protection in a noisy workplace
Hearing protection in a noisy workplace
5 Minute
Publication Date: 5 August 2021
Did you know that hearing loss due to excessive noise from machinery and power tools is one of the most widespread, yet preventable, workplace injuries? That’s right, power tools, even if used in short bursts of around 20 - 30 seconds can have a lasting impact on your hearing.
A lot goes on in a jobsite and for your safety, you need to remember to wear all the right safety gear and equipment, so remembering to also wear the right hearing protection can sometimes be forgotten. However, wearing the right hearing protection while working with loud power tools is extremely important, specifically because tools that are used regularly by those working in trade occupations can at times exceed 100-110dB or decibels. This means that even if the tools are used for only a short duration, they can still cause permanent damage to your hearing.
What are some indicators that your hearing may be at risk on a jobsite?
There are a few things to look out for on a jobsite that might indicate that your hearing is at risk. These include:
- Not having hearing protection available to use when operating power tools
- Ringing or buzzing in one or both of your ears (known as tinnitus) during or after work
- Having to raise your voice significantly in order to speak to a colleague who is less than a metre away from you
- Asking colleagues to repeat themselves multiple times
- If you find it takes a few hours after leaving work for your hearing to feel normal again
What can you do to protect your hearing in a noisy work environment?
One of the most important preventative measures you can implement in your workplace to prevent noise induced hearing loss is to choose/purchase well-fitting and comfortable hearing protection. This includes products such as earmuffs and earplugs.
One of the most important preventative measures you can implement in your workplace to prevent noise induced hearing loss is to choose/purchase well-fitting and comfortable hearing protection. This includes products such as earmuffs and earplugs.
By wearing this kind of hearing protection, it will keep loud machinery noise below harmful levels and mean you have comfortable protection that you can wear for extended periods of use.
Other possible solutions can be selecting and purchasing low-noise tools and machinery, maintain tools and equipment routinely (such as lubricate gears), reduce vibration where possible and placing a barrier between the noise source and the tradesperson if possible.
If you’re concerned about your hearing speak to our team today about what hearing solutions are available and best suit your lifestyle.
If you’re concerned about your hearing speak to our team today about what hearing solutions are available and best suit your lifestyle.
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