Page 47 - OHS, April/May 2025

conduct noise monitoring assessments, keeping records for
conduct noise monitoring assessments, keeping records for
compliance purposes. Modern noise monitoring tools such as
compliance purposes. Modern noise monitoring tools such as
sound level meters or noise dosimeters should be used.
sound level meters or noise dosimeters should be used.
Sound level meters (SLMs) are handheld pieces of equipment
Sound level meters (SLMs) are handheld pieces of equipment
that health and safety managers can use to assess noise exposure in
that health and safety managers can use to assess noise exposure in
a workplace. SLMs can either be type 1 or type 2, the former being
for more detailed precision measurement and the latter for general
purpose. Selecting the correct device is imperative for compliance
purposes and to ensure employees hearing health is appropriately
safeguarded. When selecting an SLM, make sure it meets the ANSI
S1.4 standard for sound level meters.
Sound level meters are acceptable tools to use when monitoring
workplace noise levels but for the monitoring of workers that are
mobile, a noise dosimeter is recommended. Noise dosimeters are
bodily worn monitoring tools that attach to an employee close to
the ear. Th ese devices provide more accurate individual readings
as the employee moves from diff erent work areas given a wholistic
understanding of their exposure throughout their working day
Modern noise dosimeters can be Bluetooth-enabled and can
provide real-assessment directly to the employer’s phone. Data
from these readings are then stored remotely and can be accessed
at any time for assessment or for compliance purposes. Th e device
records noise levels, ideally over an entire 8-hour workday but can
also off er an estimated TWA exposure level if shorter assessment
periods are necessary. Dosimeters are small devices designed to be
unobtrusive to the wearer to prevent removal during the assess-
ment period and some will even monitor motion so the employer
can see if the device has been removed and the results inaccurate.
Noise Control Measures in Workplaces
Noise assessments and regular monitoring helps employers identify
the level of risk that employees are exposed to and provide results
that can be used to decide on the appropriate corrective action. Th is
could be in the form of engineering controls such as using alterna-
tive quieter processes and machinery or, as a last resort, issuing PPE.
Implementing engineering controls is the preferred method
of reducing worker exposure. Rotational shift s to move employ-
ees away from high-risk areas or installing sound barriers around
noisy machinery are commonplace in industry. Vibration damp-
eners and noise absorbing materials can also be used to protect
employees from noisy equipment.
If there are no other alternatives and an employee will be ex-
posed to loud levels of noise throughout the day, it is the employ-
er’s responsibility to issue appropriate hearing protection.
Protecting workers from hazardous noise exposure is essential
to preventing hearing loss and associated health risks. Th rough
rigorous noise monitoring and eff ective control measures, employ-
ers can safeguard employees’ hearing and well-being, complying
with regulations and protecting the business from costly penalties.
Advancements in noise monitoring technology further enhance
workplace safety, ensuring long-term protection for workers in
high-noise environments.
Tim Turney, Global Marketing
Manager at occupational hygiene and
workplace hazard monitoring expert
Casella, looks to the future of health &
safety technology.
REFERENCES
1. tinyurl.com/ysbkx9t9
2. www.osha.gov/noise
www.ohsonline.com APRIL/MAY 2025 | Occupational Health & Safety 45