Sound or noise in workplaces can limit a person’s ability to perform their job as efficiently as possible due to distraction and sometimes discomfort. There are a variety of tools and aids that can assist with managing noise in the workplace, and the most appropriate solutions should be considered as part of a workplace noise management and hearing protection program.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Many workers are continually exposed to noise within the workplace. In these situations the provision of hearing protection should be part of a company’s comprehensive hearing protection program.
Hearing damage can have a huge impact on a person’s quality of life. Some strategies that can be put into action within the workplace to help prevent hearing loss are:
- use of proper hearing protection
- education programs on noise prevention and or hearing protection and ways to correctly fit and wear hearing protection
- design of a quieter environment, for example quieter machines.
For more information on ways to control noise in the workplace, check the links below:
References:
WorkSafe 2002, Code of Practice—Managing Noise at Workplaces, Government of Western Australia Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, Perth, viewed 7 November 2011, http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/PDF/Codes_of_Practice/code_noise_workplace.pdf.
Soundguard 2010-2011, Soundpaint SP150 damping compound, Pyrotek Soundguard, Girraween, viewed 7 November 2011, http://www.soundguard.com.au/htdocs/soundpaint.htm.
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