Workers in any industry who are exposed to high levels of noise can suffer permanent hearing loss. Understand the employer's responsibility and the employees' rights when it comes to hearing protection.
According to OSHA, 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year. U.S. businesses pay more than $1.5 million in penalties annually for not protecting workers from noise, and hearing loss directly impacts the quality of life not only for those workers but also their families.
Workers who are exposed to high levels of noise can suffer permanent hearing loss and then sometimes not even surgery or a hearing aid can help. In addition, even repeated exposures to loud noise for just short periods of time can add up to permanent damage to hearing.
A normal speaking voice is usually around 70 decibels (dB) and operating a loud construction excavator is usually around 110 dB. OSHA regulations state that 85 decibels (dB) is the level where workers may need to use hearing protection.
The best hearing protection is a solution that is worn properly by the worker every single time they are exposed to loud noise on the job. For an in-depth discussion of this important topic, please click HERE.
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Our mission is to provide
industry-leading health and
safety solutions to minimize
occupational illnesses and injuries for sheet metal craftspeople.
