Work in Peace: Controlling Noise for Safety and Comfort

While many companies and employees overlook noise pollution as a major hazard in the workplace, it can seriously affect employee productivity. Long-term exposure to excessive amounts of noise may result not only in permanent hearing loss but quite often memory loss, impaired ability to concentrate, heightened feelings of anxiety, ability to react swiftly when confronted with danger/crises at work. The creation of a less-cluttered work environment will therefore not only enhance employee comfort but also afford protection from physical harm/protection of mental wellbeing.

The Work Environment’s Impact on Noise on Employee’s Well Being

High levels of Noise, among other negative effects can contribute to:

1. Hearing impairment, including potential short or long term Loss.
2. Increased anxiety levels leading to decreased levels of Focus, increase Error Rates.
3. Loss of Effective Communication {Misunderstandings and Mistakes}.
4. Lower productivity due to both Distractions and Mental Fatigue.
5.  Increased Injury/Risk associated with work environments where the need to hear Warning Signals/Alarm Signals is essential.

The Most Common Sources of Workplace Noise Are:

1. Machines and Equipment are used in either Manufacturing of Construction.
2. Heating Aeration & Air-Conditioning systems {HVAC} as well as generators and Ventilation Equipment
3. Very Loud or High Speed Office Environments {Open Plan} due to Excessive use of Telephones or Cellphones
4. Traffic Noise or Other Outside Noises Entering Through Open Windows or Open Doors.

Longer Exposure and Associated Risks With Noise

If workers are exposed to excessive noise level above 85 dBA for an 8-hour period, they will be at risk of:

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Lack of ability to concentrate
• Problems sleeping
• Higher than average number of accidents caused by not hearing warning signs.

 

Ways To Reduce Noise In A Workplace

1. Use Engineering Controls

• Replace noisy machines with quieter versions or add soundproofing properties to existing equipment
• Implement or install acoustic panels, curtains, or sound barriers to help restrict the spread of sound throughout your facility
• Use regular maintenance to keep machines maintained properly to prevent excessive noise due to age and wear and tear

2. Use Administrative Controls

• Ensure that employees do not spend all their time performing the same high-noise work
• Schedule high-noise tasks when there are fewer employees in your workplace
• Ensure that employees do not spend too much time near high-noise machines

3. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

• Provide earplugs or muffs in areas that produce excessively loud sounds.
• Ensure the earplugs or muffs fit well and are used correctly.

4. Workplace Design

• Create quiet areas so employees can concentrate.
• Utilize materials that absorb sound in construction and furnishings.

5. Employee Training

• Train employees in identifying unsafe noise levels and expediting the use of PPE and notifying their employer of any noise issues they have noted.

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