Effects of exposure to excessive noise in the workplace can include:
» distraction from the task on which you are working
» fatigue and aggression
» tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
» difficulty hearing high pitched sounds
» sleep disturbance
» stress, which can lead to a greater risk of accidents.

How do you know if noise is a problem in your workplace?

How loud is the noise – noise starts to become a risk to hearing when it is a as loud as heavy city traffic (about 85 decibels).

How long is the exposure – You can work an eight hour day in noise levels below 85 decibels with little risk to hearing. Above 85 decibels and the risk increases rapidly as the noise gets louder. At 100 decibels, for example, exposure should be no more than 15 minutes per day.

Practical solutions to reduce exposure to noise

» Elimination – rid the workplace of the noise completely wherever possible.
» Substitution – quieten the source of the noise.
Big noise reductions can be made by substituting quieter equipment and designing equipment and work processes so they are not as noisy.
» Engineering controls - stop the noise from reaching people.
Move noisy machinery away from people by building a soundproof enclosure around it or by putting up a barrier between machines and operators.
» Administrative controls – reduce the time people are exposed to noise.
Where possible, people should swap between noisy and quiet jobs to ensure they are not exposed for too long.
» Wear personal hearing protection when necessary.
If noise exposure is still too excessive after all possible control measure have been taken, individual protection like earmuffs or earplugs should be worn.