Importance Of Hearing Protection in The Workplace
Our hearing is delicate, but it’s easy to take it for granted. According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), one in five adults in the UK experience a form of hearing loss. Hearing loss caused by work is preventable, making it vital for employers to implement hearing protection measures at work.
Understanding your responsibilities as your employer, and the types of hearing protection available can help you put the right safety measures in place to protect your employees from hearing damage.
Learn more about the importance of hearing protection and how you can get it right in your workplace.
About noise-induced hearing loss
Being exposed to loud noises can increase your susceptibility to hearing loss. Once hearing becomes damaged, it’s irreversible, which is why it’s important to protect hearing in the first place.
Noise can begin to cause damage at 85 dB(A), which is the level required by employers to provide hearing protection. According to The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, employees must not be exposed to noise above 87 dB(A), ‘taking account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection.’
Common sources of noise exposure include power tools, machinery, loud music, and transport such as aircrafts.
Your duty as an employer
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), more than 2 million people are exposed to unacceptable levels of noise at work. This makes hearing loss one of the leading reasons for employers to file liability insurance claims, while causing irreversible damage to millions of people.
To help identify if loud noises are an issue at work, the HSE asks the following:
- Is the noise intrusive - like forest harvesting and felling, a chainsaw or a woodchipper - for most of the working day?
- Do you have to raise your voice to have a normal conversation when about 2 metres apart for at least part of the day?
- Do you use noisy powered tools or machinery for more half an hour a day?
If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it’s likely the work environment has a noise problem.
As an employer, there are different things you can do to improve hearing protection in the workplace, including:
• Implementing controls to reduce noise exposure, including silencers, and choosing quieter equipment.
• Provide workers with hearing protection. There are different types of hearing protection available to meet employees’ different needs.
• Provide occupational health services to conduct hearing tests to identify signs of hearing loss in workers.
• Provide detailed guidance and training on how to protect hearing at work.
• Make policies clear and conduct regular inspections to ensure procedures are being followed.
Why is it important to wear hearing protection devices?
Employees can also play their part in preventing hearing loss. While employers have to issue the necessary health and safety equipment, employees need to ensure that they use it correctly.
Some of the steps employees can take to protect their hearing include:
• Wear hearing protection as provided and directed.
• Maintain your ear protection and notify your employer if you’re concerned about its effectiveness.
• Set a good example to other employees and report any failures to follow hearing protection guidance.
• If you experience any signs of hearing damage or you’re concerned about your hearing, report it to your employer.
Using hearing protection can provide vital protection for your hearing. However, beware of using products that are completely noise cancelling, or those which reduce hearing below 70dB. This can cause issues with hearing warning signals and pose other safety risks.
What types of hearing protection are available?
There are different types of hearing protection devices that can protect your hearing in various situations. Some may be more suited to your employees’ needs than others, while employees might have their own preferences about the type of protection they wish to wear.
Ear plugs
Ear plugs are a simple solution to protect hearing. They are inserted directly into the ear, helping to block a range of noises. They can also provide protection against water, dust, and dirt.
They are very portable, but because they can be difficult to insert and remove, they aren’t ideal in situations that require a little flexibility.
Ear defenders
Ear defenders, sometimes known as earmuffs, are a device that is worn over the ears, helping to muffle sounds and absorb excess noise. Ear defenders also have the benefit of keeping the ears warm in different weather conditions.
Ear defenders are a bulkier solution compared to ear plugs, but some workers may find them more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.
One type of hearing protection may be preferable to wear over the other and can depend on the situation and the other safety equipment being worn. Making sure ears are protected is the most important thing, and workers may wish to have different options to choose from for their hearing protection.
Noise Cancellation
Active noise-cancelling technology (ANC) is a method that employs microphones to detect ambient noise and then generates sound waves that are 180 degrees out of phase with the incoming sound. The new sound waves are delivered back to your ears, reducing the amount of ambient noise you hear and allowing you to focus more on what is being spoken or listened to.
Improve health and safety at work with phs Besafe
At phs Besafe, we specialise in providing the most effective health and safety wear for workers. From protective clothing to laundry services for workwear, we can help your business maintain its health and safety procedures and keep everyone safe at work.
Explore our services or call us for a free quote on 0330 588 4100.