Hearing loss is a common and preventable workplace injury affecting an estimated 22 million workers annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Workers in industries involving loud machinery, tools, and environments, including construction, warehouse, and manufacturing workers, are most at risk of irreversible hearing loss.
What Kind of Hearing Damage Can You Suffer at Work?
Prolonged exposure to loud noises at work without adequate hearing protection can result in several health complications. In addition to permanent hearing loss, the CDC warns that loud noises can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears), high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Loud noise at work can also increase the risk of other accidents, as workers may be unable to hear approaching vehicles and other nearby hazards.
Tips to Prevent Hearing Loss at Work
How can you prevent noise-induced hearing loss? Unfortunately, the damage cannot be undone once permanent hearing loss begins. The best way to avoid hearing loss is to take proactive steps to protect your ears. Employers have a duty to provide safe and healthy workplaces, and that includes noise monitoring, noise controls, and providing hearing protection devices and other personal protective equipment as needed.
Here are some tips for reducing noise exposure and preventing work-related hearing loss:
- Know what noises can cause damage – Heavy machinery, such as that used on construction sites, regularly produces noise at levels that can cause permanent hearing damage. Some examples of other loud noises that can damage hearing are passing trains, jets taking off, and even handheld tools.
- Wear ear protection devices – The best way to protect your hearing from dangerous noise levels is to wear ear protection when working in a loud environment. Ear protection may include over-the-ear earmuffs or molded earplugs. The type you use may depend on your work.
- Limit worker noise exposure – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the safe threshold for noise at 85 decibels. Once noise reaches 90 decibels, OSHA limits worker exposure to eight hours, and for every five-decibel increase, the exposure limit is halved. So, at 95 decibels, workers should only be exposed for up to four hours, and at 100 decibels, their exposure should only be up to two hours. Employers should measure noise levels and respond accordingly.
- Provide training for employees – Employers should train employees on the proper use of ear protection and ensure they understand the risks of loud noise exposure at work. Imparting this information to employees should be part of the standard safety protocol for companies operating in high-risk industries for occupational noise, like construction and manufacturing.
- Get annual hearing exams – Workers should also receive regular hearing tests to screen for early signs of hearing loss. If you catch it early, you can take additional steps to protect your hearing, such as avoiding exposure whenever possible or getting better ear protection if your current earplugs aren’t working.
If You Think You May Be Facing Hearing Loss at Work, Contact an Experienced Attorney for Support
Contact the law firm of Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer now for a free consultation with an experienced Kentucky occupational hearing loss injury lawyer. Our firm handles workplace noise injury cases from all angles, including personal injury, workers’ compensation, and Social Security disability, to help our clients seek the maximum compensation they deserve.
