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New technology is even allowing ‘fifit tests’ of hearing protection, giving confifidence that the PPE is being worn correctly and the correct attenuation is attained. Managing the Risk of ‘Over-Protecting’ Workers Communication can be a major issue with PPE because the process of reducing sound, known as attenuation, can pose risks to worker health. If a protector with too little attenuation is used, then employees will not receive enough protection. However, too much noise reduction can create feelings of isolation, and an employee may need to remove their PPE to communicate. In addition, over-attenuation can cut out safety warnings such as fire alarms or sirens from reversing vehicles, resulting in further risks to workers. As a rule of thumb, businesses can avoid over-protecting workers by ensuring the level of exposure is not reduced to a level below 75dB(A). A business’s unique working environment also impacts the best protector choice. For example, dusty conditions common on construction sites can cause hygiene problems. In dusty workplaces, it is crucial to keep the hands clean when inserting protective plugs to avoid ear infections. It is also advisable to consider the individual and ascertain any history of ear problems such as irritation or earache, as earmuffs that fit over the outer ear may be preferable to avoid medical complications. Ensuring Employees Get the Protection They Need However, skill and knowledge of measuring noise can take years to build, so this guidance can only be considered a foundational introduction. If certain aspects of noise monitoring, protection and control are outside of an individual’s competencies, then external consultancies, training and support can be sought to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure employees get the critical protection they need. Tim Turney is Global Marketing Manager at Casella and graduated as an engineer from Queen Mary and Westfield in London. Since starting at Casella in 1998, Tim has been involved in the acoustics and air sampling industry, specializing in measurement and instrumentation technologies. Casella is dedicated to reducing occupational health and environmental risks and supporting businesses in solving their monitoring and analysis needs. For more information about Casella’s noise monitoring solutions. visit www. casellasolutions.com. REFERENCES 1. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ajim.22827 2. www.starkey.com/blog/articles/2019/03/Exposure-to-too-much-noise 3. www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/upd-10-07-21.html PIG Microbial Oil Stain Remover Visit newpig.com or call 1-800-HOT-HOGS®. One Pork Avenue • Tipton, PA 16684 ww w SEPTEMBER 2023 | Occupational Health ety U . o h s o nl ine.com n t itl e d- 2 1 8 & S 5 /1 6/ a 2 f 3 12:40 P 1 M