Two way radios are used commonly in the workplace to communicate between vehicles or buildings within a designated range. Two way radios often pick up background noise and static which makes the message unclear, and if not set to a specific site channel, may pick up messages from other locations. Individuals who are hard of hearing may experience difficulty communicating effectively via a two way radio if transmissions are of poor quality. This can then lead to safety concerns or the individual not following instructions as they were unable to hear these clearly.
Two way radios are primarily used within workplaces for ease of communication between multiple parties that are not in close physical contact. They are often used between mobile and fixed plant and therefore clarity of messages is crucial for everyone’s safety on site, for instance if a driver hears a message incorrectly that they are supposed to change access routes or change tasks, and doesn’t carry this out, serious accidents could occur.
Workplace adjustments and solutions
When investigating the most appropriate two way radio to use within the workplace there are features on some models that may assist those that are hard of hearing including:
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vibrate alert to advise of incoming messages
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silent mode with a flashing signal to advise of incoming messages
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noise filtering to eliminate weak or unwanted transmissions
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compressed digital transmission which ensures a clearer transmission with less distortion between spoken words
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‘adjustable gain’ which allows adjustability of the microphone i.e. to pick up quiet voices
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audio accessory connector features can allow connection of external devices such as microphones and speakers
There are also aids that may assist with hearing a two-way radio more clearly including:
If the work environment is noisy, such as in a moving truck, removing any rattles, replacing door and window seals and using noise suppression techniques may assist the driver to hear a two way radio with more clarity. Noise suppression can be optimised by considering reducing transmission of noise through structures and products to absorb sound.
Within an office or factory environment, sound absorption panels can be fitted around the area where the two way radio is operated from to control noise.
Related links
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National Code of Practice for Noise Management and Protection of Hearing at Work
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Safe Work Australia – Index of National Standards Codes of Practices and related guidance notes (http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/swa/HealthSafety/OHSstandards/)
References
Australian Hearing 2010, Communication Tips, Australian Hearing, Chatswood, viewed 26 April 2010, http://www.hearing.com.au/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=227&languageId=1&contentId=-1.
Buy Two-Way Radios 2010, Two Way Radio Features and Terminology Explanation, Buy Two-Way Radios, Rock Hill, viewed 26 April 2010, http://www.buytwowayradios.com/Info/Features.aspx#accessory_connector.
Safe Work Australia 2009, National Code of Practice for Noise Management and Protection of Hearing at Work 2004 (3rd Ed), Australian Government: National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, Canberra, viewed 26 April 2010, http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/6EE85D16-7D1C-4FFC-99E7-E611B7290E18/0/Noise_COP.pdf
WorkSafe 2002, Code of Practice: Managing Noise at Workplaces, Government of Western Australia: Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, Perth, viewed 26 April 2010, http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/WorkSafe/PDF/Codes_of_Practice/code_noise_workplace.pdf.