Public Employee Press

Safety Spotlight
Noise

Is it too noisy at work to hear co-workers at arm’s length?

At the end of a workday, is it difficult to hear normal conversations, TV or music?

After you work in noisy areas, do you get ringing in your ears or does sound seem flat?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, your work environment may be dangerously loud.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that approximately 30 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job. Since hearing loss occurs gradually and painlessly, many workers may not realize that they have permanent hearing loss until it is too late. No medical procedure can restore hearing loss caused by excessive noise exposure.

The Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau of the New York State Dept. of Labor requires employers to institute a Hearing Conservation Program if employees are exposed to certain maximum noise levels or to an 8-hour average of 85 decibels or more.

A Hearing Conservation Program must include noise monitoring, hearing tests, education, record keeping, protective devices such as ear plugs or ear muffs, engineering controls such as mufflers that dampen sound, and administrative controls such as limiting the time a worker is exposed.

Noise increases stress levels and blood pressure and is linked to fatigue, insomnia and loss of appetite. Noise can also interfere with communication on the job, leading to accidents in the workplace.

How can you protect your hearing? If your employer provides ear plugs or muffs, wear them. If your employer provides testing, make sure you get tested. And if you believe your employer is not doing enough to protect your hearing, contact your union representative.