| The risk of noise-induced hearing loss is often ignored until too late because: |
 |
Hearing loss causes no pain |
|
Workers may feel discomfort and/or pain from excessive noise, but not from the hearing loss |
|
The loss occurs gradually over time, so that exposed workers don’t notice the loss until significant damage has occurred |
Once damaged, hearing cannot be restored. Damaged hearing can affect job performance, health and productivity.
A new noise regulation came into effect on July 1, 2007 in Ontario which requires employers to limit worker noise exposure to 85 dBA, to put into place measures to control exposures and to post warning signs where noise exceeds 85 dBA.
Why be concerned about noise?
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board estimates that $100 million in compensation costs have been paid out in the last decade. |
|
|
Common Noise Levels (dBA) |
Pain Threshold |
140 |
Jet Take Off |
130 |
Music Concert |
120 |
Hand Grinders |
110 |
Chain Saw |
100 |
Leaf Blower |
90 |
Vacuum Cleaner |
80 |
Hair Dryer |
70 |
Conversation |
60 |
Floor Fan |
50 |
Library |
40 |
Rice Krispies |
30 |
Watch Ticking |
20 |
Quiet Wilderness |
10 |
Threshold of Hearing |
0 |
|
Exposure to elevated noise levels may impact the quality of life for workers and their families and may cause: |
|
Hearing Loss |
|
Interference with Communications |
|
Psychological Effects |
|
Physiological Effects |
|
Lower Productivity |
|
Increased Absenteeism |
Hearing impairment is not noticeable until the damage is substantial enough to interfere with routine activities.
What services does LEHDER provide for noise?
| LEHDER personnel would be pleased to assist you with any issues in regards to the noise regulations. Our services with respect to noise include: |
|
Conduct noise dosimetry to assess worker exposure to noise |
|
Perform noise surveys and acoustic assessments to identify and prioritize areas for noise abatement |
|
Prepare noise survey maps to identify hearing protection areas |
|
Recommend control measures to mitigate risks via engineering controls, work practices and procedures and personal protective equipment |
|
Develop and/or review new and existing hearing conservation programs |
For more information, please contact:
Steve Hawkins, CIH, ROH
Tel: 519-336-4101 ext 235
|
