Jobsites can contain a variety of occupational hazards. Many industries combat these hazards with safety programs, but noise and hearing conservation are often neglected. Hearing loss from job-related noise exposure happens to more than 20,000 workers annually. To protect your workers and reduce your liability, you’ll need a hearing conservation program for your business. But how do you make one?
The Recommended Noise Exposure Limit
Luckily, you won’t have to start from scratch. Both NIOSH and OSHA do extensive research on the recommended noise exposure limit. According to OSHA, the recommended limit is 90 decibels. NIOSH sets its limit at 85 decibels which is roughly equivalent to the sound of a blender or hairdryer.
If you operate a business or shop consistently meeting these thresholds, you’ll need to implement a hearing conservation program. Establishing a program may take some time, but there are some universal steps to get started.
Monitor and Control
Firstly, to see if you’re meeting the noise exposure limit, you’ll need to monitor the sound in your workplace. You can do this with a simple decibel meter. If the meter consistently reports 85 to 90 dBA, you’ll need to take additional steps.
Before moving forward, you can address the amount of noise in your workplace by thinking about ways to control it. Replacing equipment with quieter models, lubricating and maintaining loud machinery, and placing sound barriers between the source and your employees are just some of the possibilities. If none of these is possible, you’ll need to begin considering safety equipment.
Equipment and Testing
You should work with an expert to find the best solution for your business—one that meets your budget and adapts to the needs of your workplace. For the best defense, custom hearing protection will keep your workers safe. When searching for the best results, work with Amdahl Hearing to find the proper protection for you.
For the safety of your employees and to make sure the program is functioning correctly, you should also schedule routine testing. Hearing tests can detect gradual hearing loss and give you solutions to fight it.
Putting It All Together
You can form a workplace hearing conservation program that protects your employees with these steps. You’ll also reduce your liability and promote a workplace that values the people within it. Amdahl Hearing offers the help you need to implement a hearing conservation program. Contact us to learn more and get started with your own program.