Jobsite Hearing Protection
Hearing protection on jobsites is an often-overlooked factor in industrial health. Unless one is exposed to extended periods of working in a noisy environment, the temptation and perceived inconvenience of using hearing protection for short exposures to noise can result in a cumulative effect on long term hearing loss. There is no one size fits all solution for hearing protection in every application, but even short exposures to screeching saws, diesel generators, air compressors, etc. can have a future deleterious effect. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise might be an easy fix with hearing protection devices that can be used throughout the task process.
Let’s face it, hearing protection devices, whether foam plugs, muffs, bands, or electronic in-ear devices can be cumbersome for short term exposures and uncomfortable for lengthy use. But even short exposures to high level noise can have long term consequences in an individual’s hearing. The effect of early hearing loss could have negative effects throughout the rest of one’s life.
Whichever hearing protection system or device an employer offers to the workforce, consideration should be given to how simple they are to deploy, how they can affect verbal or auditory danger cues from coworkers & equipment, and the application for which they’re used, given the surroundings.
Hearing loss can affect worker safety, interpersonal relationships, and especially people that work together in hazardous environments. Protect now, hear later!
For more information on Jobsite Hearing Protection, safety questions or concerns, please contact PGM Safety Services, an affiliate company of Pro Group Management. We will be happy to assist when you visit us at www.pgmnv.com or call (800) 859-3177.
