If you stop to think about it, noise is everywhere. From leaf blowers outside your home to airplanes passing overhead and cars with exhaust systems designed to make noise, peace and quiet is rare. Most of those noise sources, however, are little more than distracting annoyances. Because they’re intermittent and not happening close by, they’re not hazardous. Noise exposure only becomes problematic if it’s prolonged and in close proximity. That means loud noises in places where you spend the most time represent the biggest risks.
If you’re like most people, you likely spend 40 or more hours a week at work. And even if you don’t work in a heavy manufacturing industry, you may face exposure to dangerous noise levels. Despite that reality, workplace noise remains an oft-overlooked hazard. Here’s an overview of common sources of workplace noise and the risks they represent.
Common Sources of Hazardous Workplace Noise
Noise in the workplace can come from a variety of sources. Some of them are obvious, while others may not be. Some of the most common noise sources include:
Machinery and Equipment
Things like compressors, generators, HVAC units, and industrial tools make quite a bit of noise. If you work near any of them, you may experience noise levels well above established safety standards.
Construction Tools and Equipment
Noise is an obvious fact of life on construction sites. It can emanate from power tools, demolition equipment, and heavy vehicles. That’s why construction workers wear mandatory ear protection almost all the time. However, if you work somewhere directly adjacent to a construction site, its noise can affect you. Also, if your workplace itself undergoes renovations, the noise the work generates can pose a risk as well.
Warehouses and Logistics Center Operations
Workers inside warehouses and logistics centers get exposed to noise from sources like forklifts, conveyor systems, and loading docks. It can affect workers on warehouse floors as well as those working in connected office spaces.
Crowded or Busy Work Environments
Perhaps the least appreciated sources of workplace noise happen in environments you don’t necessarily think of as noisy. For example, a server at a restaurant may pass the majority of each shift in relative quiet. However, constant exposure to the din of a dinner rush can take a toll. The same logic applies to agricultural settings, which may be quiet the majority of the time. Then, large farm equipment can change that in a hurry.
How Noise Exposure Harms the Body
Noise is such an ever-present part of modern life that it’s easy to forget how much it can affect the human body. Persistently high noise levels can lead to cardiovascular strain caused by elevated stress hormones. It also reduces your ability to focus and slows reaction times. With prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, you may suffer permanent hearing loss or conditions like tinnitus.
Hidden Safety Risks Created by Excessive Noise
Constant noise can also create some risks beyond its health effects. For example, it can impair workers’ ability to hear alarms, warning signals, or sounds that indicate approaching hazards. It can also cause miscommunications that lead to accidents and errors.
Workers in high-risk environments may suffer from reduced situational awareness, increasing the chances of injury. Persistent noise, when combined with fatigue, can drive up the risk of workplace accidents, too.
The Long-Term Occupational Consequences
It’s worth noting that getting away from a noisy workplace environment doesn’t necessarily solve the problems it may have caused. For example, excessive noise can cause chronic health conditions that worsen over time, even after exposure ceases. It can also lead to declining job performance due to concentration issues or hearing impairment.
Ultimately, the long-term effects of noise exposure can lead to job reassignment or the need for modified duties. And outside of work, it can impose costs related to medical treatment and the need for hearing aids.
Protective Measures Workers Can Take
Workers should take time to learn about OSHA regulations surrounding noise that pertain to their workplace. In workplaces with hearing protection mandates, employers should provide the requisite equipment. Employers should also monitor noise levels and offer training to workers to spot and report noise hazards.
In noisy settings without specific hearing protection mandates, consistently using earplugs or noise-canceling PPE is advised. Whenever possible, workers should try to keep a safe distance from noisy equipment and report any equipment malfunctions that lead to increased noise immediately.
When to Consult a Workplace Injury Lawyer
Employers with workers in high-noise environments have regulatory obligations regarding hearing protection. If you work in one, and your employer isn’t meeting those obligations, contacting a work injury lawyer is a good idea. If you’ve already suffered hearing loss due to workplace noise, you should absolutely consult a lawyer.
An experienced work injury lawyer like the qualified attorneys at Thomas Law Offices can help you determine whether negligence or regulatory violations contributed to your injuries. They can also help you understand your compensation options for medical costs, lost earnings, and lost career advancement opportunities. Your attorney can determine if you might be able to secure compensation by determining if negligence was related to your work incident. If the accident could have been prevented, you may be owed compensation that can go towards recovery costs, loss of wage costs, and more. This compensation can help you and your family move forward and it may even help prevent future incidents from happening. Lawsuits often speak louder than words.
The Big Takeaway
Noise exposure in the workplace is a serious issue that workers consistently underappreciate. Since it can have long-term, potentially life-changing consequences, it’s important to take the time to learn about the risks. It’s also worth taking proactive measures to protect yourself, even if your specific risk is minimal. And finally, you should never hesitate to seek legal advice if you suffer a workplace injury due to excessive noise. Doing so is the best way to safeguard your rights and ensure you receive just compensation for your injury.
Guest writer
