Page 54 - OHS, November/December 2021

PPE: HEARING PROTECTION
Tackling Hearing Protection in the Workplace
Despite the risk of irreversible damage to health, one-third of noise-exposed workers report not wearing hearing protection.
BY TIM TURNEY
Noise-induced hearing loss is the most prevalent occupational disease in the world.1 In the U.S., 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise each year, placing them at risk of injuries that can
permanently impair their quality of life. Whenever hearing is damaged from on-the-job conditions, workers are entitled to compensation. OSHA estimates that employers spend $242 million annuallyonworkers’ compensation for hearing loss disability.2
Despite the risk of irreversible damage to health, one-third of noise-exposed workers report not wearing hearing protection.3 Although hearing protection is a ‘first aid’ measure until it is possible to reduce noise exposure to a safer level through changes to the tools, equipment and schedules used, knowledge of its
application can dramatically increase its effectiveness.
Determining Who Needs Hearing Protection
A noise survey will determine which employees need hearing protection. The survey should list employees and their exposure, then compare their exposure to the maximum permissible exposure limit. In line with the OSHA regulations, hearing protection should be made available to employees exposed to noise dose levels above 85dB(A). The noise dose is based on the sound exposure level and duration, so for each increase 5-dB in noise levels, the duration of the exposure should be cut in half.
Noise monitoring provides accurate insights into the noise levels of a working environment so that businesses can identify at-risk employees and ensure they adhere to OSHA regulations.
50 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 www.ohsonline.com
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