In this article, we will be exploring why hearing protection in the workplace is important, and why it is important that managers take an active role in making sure their teams adopt it.
1. Legal requirement for hearing protection
According to the South African Department of Labour, the use of hearing protection in the workplace is mandatory for any persons exposed to a noise-rating limit of 85dBA or more. When you consider that this is roughly equivalent to a vacuum cleaner or lawnmower, it may seem a little extreme.
2. Health concerns
Using equipment at a noise level around 85dBA for a short time period, may not be of any consequence. But constant exposure to this level of noise, through an 8-hour working day, may bring long term consequences. Also consider, for every 3 decibel increase after 85 decibels, hearing loss can occur in half the amount of time. This means that for noise levels of 88 decibels, it could take only 4 hours of exposure for damage to occur; and only 2 hours if exposed to 91 decibels. When noise levels exceed 100 decibels, a person can suffer hearing damage in as little as 15 minutes. Essentially, the louder the noise, the quicker hearing loss can occur.
As a person working in an environment where noise is constant, it is definitely not merely a matter of complying with regulations. It is about long-term health. You may not notice the effects of noise in the workplace. Once you do, it will most likely be too late.
3. Importance of Personal Fit
The noise level limit is an international standard and has been scientifically determined. Aside from the international standard and legal requirements, hearing comfort is a personal matter. Every person is different and the noise threshold for individuals will vary. The shape and size of ear canals will vary between individuals, and so too, would the effectiveness of the various styles of hearing protection.
Choosing the correct level of protection is not simply about meeting Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) requirements. To determine whether a particular earplug or earmuff is effective for the person using it, individual testing is important. A Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) will ensure that the hearing protection is, in fact, fulfilling its purpose for the person using it. The Personal Attenuation Rating test can be done in field, and is completed within a few minutes. The PAR ensures that the hearing protection being used adequately protects the user.
4. Management responsibility around hearing protection
Every good manager realises the importance of maintaining a healthy and pleasant working environment. Physically comfortable workers are productive workers. Subsequently, hearing protection should be determined by both the working environment (legal) and the individual requirements (personal comfort).
While employees are expected to make use of hearing protection, it is often an unwanted inconvenience. People are more likely to use hearing protection when it meets their personal, individual requirements. Discomfort experienced by the user generally means they just won’t use it. Managers should offer guidance and monitor the use of hearing protection in the workplace. As there can be no universal solution and individual circumstances are unique, the best course of action would be to obtain professional technical advice.
One fact is indisputable: long term exposure to noise levels will cause ear damage. Make sure the hearing protection in your workplace is adequate. Contact Delta Health and Safety for further information and technical advice.
Sources:
South African Department of Labour Act No.95 of 1993