Tag: Audiometric Testing

TAKEAWAY: This article explores ways to manage occupational noise, no matter which industry you’re in. Read on to learn how to proactively mitigate occupational noise risks and help prevent NIHL among workers.

By Elly McGuinness

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise annually, a problem that can have far-reaching adverse effects. High noise levels may interfere with workplace communication and, in turn, increase the risk of related accidents and injuries. Hearing loss can occur, which has implications ranging from communication difficulties to various health issues such as tinnitus and poor mental health.

Exposure to high noise levels can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), an irreversible problem. This type of hearing damage may occur from one-off excessive noise exposure or exposure to noise above the recommended safe limits over time. Occupational NIHL is a widespread yet preventable problem. 

Some of the most high-risk industries for NIHL include transportation, manufacturing, forestry and agriculture, mining, and oil and gas. Each sector has unique noise-related hazards, but the good news is that employers can take plenty of practical steps to decrease noise exposure in the workplace and keep workers safe.

Identify Noise-Related Hazards in the Workplace

The first step in managing occupational noise is identifying potential workplace noise-related hazards. These hazards can vary widely depending on the industry and specific job roles. It’s crucial to assess all areas of the workplace and tasks that could expose employees to excessive noise levels.

For instance, noisy machinery and equipment may pose significant risks in the manufacturing sector. Vehicle engines and road noise could contribute to elevated noise levels in the transportation industry. By conducting thorough assessments and involving employees in hazard identification, employers can gain valuable insights into potential sources of noise exposure.

Conduct a Noise Assessment to Assess the Risks

Once you identify potential noise hazards, conducting a comprehensive noise assessment is essential. This assessment involves measuring noise levels across different workplace areas using specialized equipment (for example, a sound level meter). The goal is to quantify the extent of noise exposure and determine whether it exceeds recommended safe limits.

For example, construction industry employers should measure noise levels from equipment and activities such as drilling, hammering, and heavy machinery operations. This data helps them make informed decisions about implementing effective noise control measures.

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Engineering Controls: Equipment Modification or Replacement

Engineering controls focus on modifying or replacing equipment to eliminate or reduce noise at its source. This proactive approach can significantly lower noise exposure levels. For instance, installing noise-reducing enclosures or dampening materials around machinery in a manufacturing setting can effectively reduce noise emissions.

Equipping heavy machinery with quieter exhaust systems can reduce noise in the mining industry. Such modifications protect workers’ hearing and create a more comfortable and productive work environment.

Administrative Controls: Adjusting Workplace Protocols and Procedures

Implementing administrative controls involves adjusting workplace protocols and procedures to minimize noise exposure. Employers can schedule noisy tasks during specific hours to limit employees’ time in noisy areas and create designated quiet zones.

For example, in a call center environment, provide employees with noise-canceling headphones to mitigate the impact of background noise during phone conversations.

Use Hearing-Related Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect employees’ hearing is another essential component of managing occupational noise. Earplugs and earmuffs are types of PPE for reducing noise exposure to safe levels.

Providing comfortable and effective ear protection is crucial in any industry with high noise levels. Proper training on correctly using hearing-related PPE ensures that employees receive the intended protection.

Ensuring proper personal protective equipment (PPE) fit is paramount to its effectiveness. Ill-fitting hearing-related PPE can compromise its ability to adequately reduce noise exposure, rendering it less effective in safeguarding employees’ hearing. 

This concern has been particularly relevant for women, as standard PPE sizes and designs have often been based on male anatomical proportions, potentially resulting in inadequate protection for female workers. Addressing this issue by providing PPE options accommodating diverse body types and conducting Hearing Protection Fit Testing can significantly enhance all employees’ overall safety and well-being.

Employers must consider several crucial factors beyond fit when selecting the right hearing protection. While a proper fit is essential to ensure optimal noise reduction, comfort is also important. Uncomfortable or cumbersome hearing protection may discourage employees from wearing it consistently, exposing them to potential risks. Noise reduction ratings (NRR) are also critical, with higher NRR values indicating more effective noise reduction. 

The nature of the job and specific noise sources also determine the most suitable hearing protection. Whether custom molded earplugs or earmuffs are preferred, the chosen type should align with the work environment and tasks to provide reliable and comfortable noise attenuation, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier workplace.

Conduct Regular Audiometric Testing

Regular audiometric testing, also known as hearing tests, is vital to a comprehensive hearing conservation program. These tests assess employees’ hearing over time and help detect changes that may indicate early signs of hearing loss.

For instance, in the aviation industry, where aircraft noise is a prevalent hazard, pilots and ground crew members should undergo regular audiometric testing. Early identification of hearing loss allows for timely intervention and adjustments to noise control measures.

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Hearing Conservation Basics | In Conclusion

Effectively managing occupational noise is a critical responsibility for employers across various industries. The consequences of noise-induced hearing loss can be profound, affecting the well-being of employees and an organization’s overall productivity.

Employers can create a safer and more conducive work environment by identifying noise-related hazards, conducting thorough noise assessments, implementing engineering and administrative controls, providing appropriate PPE, and conducting regular audiometric testing. Taking proactive steps to mitigate noise risks demonstrates a commitment to the health and safety of the workforce, promoting a culture of prevention and protection.

Remember, safeguarding employees’ hearing is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions and a fundamental ethical responsibility. By prioritizing hearing conservation, organizations can ensure the long-term health and well-being of their most valuable asset—their employees.

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TAKEAWAY: The transportation industry is one of several high-risk sectors for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This article is the fourth in a five-part series about NIHL in high-risk industries. Read on to learn about the significant risks for NIHL in the transportation industry and the steps employers can take to reduce these risks and keep workers safe.

By Elly McGuinness

The transportation industry is one of several high-risk sectors for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Workers in the oil and gas and mining industries are also at high risk for developing NIHL. Although NIHL is a widespread problem, it’s preventable, and employers can take several steps to mitigate the risks.

NIHL occurs when a person is exposed to a sound that’s loud enough to cause hearing damage. It can also happen gradually after ongoing exposure to loud sounds. Noise is present in and out of a work setting, with the latter referred to as occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL). ONIHL is a more significant problem due to the NIHL risks workers face in specific industries.

This article is the fourth in a five-part series about NIHL in high-risk industries. Read on to learn about the significant risks for NIHL in the transportation industry and the steps employers can take to reduce these risks and keep workers safe.

Noise risks in the transportation industry

Noise in the transportation industry comes from several sources. Cranes, trucks, trains, planes, ships, and heavy machinery all generate noise at levels with the potential to damage hearing. 

Workers in the transportation industry who live in a city are exposed to additional transportation noise, further increasing the risk for NIHL. They may be subject to high transportation noise levels in and out of the workplace.

The transportation industry often finds itself in the spotlight for its detriment to the environment and its impact on global warming. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the noise risks in this sector. Transportation noise can disrupt sleep and increase stress levels, increasing disease risk. It also puts workers at risk of developing NIHL.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted that almost eight percent of Transportation, warehousing, and utility workers had some degree of hearing impairment. These figures are lower than the percentages for workers in other high-risk industries such as manufacturing, construction, mining, oil and gas, and agriculture. 

However, the risks should not be ignored and can still be considered significant. Studies have identified repair, maintenance, and motor vehicle operation as high-risk occupations, all of which are part of the transportation sector.

How transportation industry employers can minimize the risk of NIHL in the workplace

NIHL is permanent and irreversible, so employers must reduce the risks and protect their workers. Transportation industry employers can take steps to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing employees, and they should take a proactive approach to reduce NIHL risks and avoid noise-induced hearing problems from the outset. The following action points can help employers prevent ONIHL and prevent further damage to employees who already have signs of ONIHL.

Understand noise exposure limits

Employers should stay current with regional and federal laws for noise exposure and industry regulations. In most jurisdictions, 85 decibels (dBA) is the allowable noise level over an 8-hour workday. 

At higher levels, employers must understand how to reduce exposure time and keep workers within safe limits. For example, 3 hours of exposure over a day is acceptable for 97dB(A), and 30 minutes is the limit for a noise level of 110dB(A).

It’s also crucial to recognize that some workers may be more sensitive to noise than others, and some might be exposed to higher noise levels outside the workplace than others. Therefore, a conservative approach to noise-exposure levels offers the best strategy for protecting workers.

Invest in noise-reducing vehicles and machinery

Modern machinery and equipment often have noise-reducing features. Employers can invest in new, quieter equipment or modify older equipment to reduce noise levels. Examples include:

• Noise-reducing components, such as quieter tires, landing gears, and brake blocks.
• Improve infrastructures, such as quieter train tracks and road surfaces.
• Invest in newer vehicles with quieter engines
• Install a noise-absorbant sound barrier wall around truck terminals to reduce noise levels.

Adjust workplace policies and procedures

Employers can take the following steps to change operations procedures and positively impact workplace noise levels.

• Reduce transport volumes. Explore ways to have fewer noisy vehicles in one area at any given time.
• Determine ways to adjust transportation schedules to reduce nighttime vehicle noise, which can disrupt sleep patterns.
• Set speed restrictions for road vehicles to decrease noise levels.
• Establish restrictions or ban access to certain areas for heavy trucks.
• Redesign the work area to create quiet spaces.

Hearing protection in the transportation industry

The transportation industry is an interesting one when it comes to hearing protection. While solutions such as earmuffs or custom-moulded earplugs are an obvious solution for employers in several high-risk sectors, there’s a delicate balance between hearing protection and optimal communication in transportation.

Several innovative solutions are emerging to combat this problem, each specific to the challenges and operations within a given sector. For example, shipping and rail industry employers can invest in digital hearing protection designed to reduce noise while enhancing speech. Or they can select technology that integrates with existing communication devices. 

Regular audiometric testing

Audiometric testing is an effective way to detect hearing loss. Hearing tests assess a person’s ability to hear sounds at various intensities and pitches.

A sometimes-mandatory tool, audiometric testing offers vital insights that help employers make the best decisions around protecting workers’ hearing. Baseline and periodic tests are recommended, and mobile-testing services provide a convenient, time-effective testing approach.

NIHL in the transportation industry | In conclusion

NIHL risks may not be as high for transportation industry employees as in other high-risk sectors. However, the risk is still significant, and employers should treat NIHL as a critical issue, mainly because it’s preventable. When ignored, the negative repercussions can be widespread individually and company-wide.

Some steps transportation industry employers can take to protect workers from ONIHL include investing in quieter vehicles and machinery, modifying equipment with noise-reducing features, changing workplace procedures, and arranging regular hearing tests for employees.

[Learn more in “How to Prevent Occupational Hearing Loss”].

Transportation industry employers may also be interested to read about the impact of occupational testing on North American health and safety culture in this sector and how to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in the transportation industry.

Book Audiometric Testing for your Workforce Today!

With over 6,500 locations across North America, SureHire can support your testing needs. Contact us to speak with a member of our team and request a quote today!

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TAKEAWAY: This article is the final in a 5-part series about NIHL in high-risk industries. Read on to learn about NIHL risks in manufacturing and how employers can help protect their workers.

By Elly McGuinness

Loud sounds in and outside the workplace can put a person at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). However, noise in the workplace setting is a more significant problem, especially for workers in high-risk industries. The manufacturing industry is one of several sectors with a high risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL), so employers must take the necessary steps to protect their employees.

In industries such as mining, agriculture, and oil and gas, employees are at a high risk of exposure to noise loud enough to cause hearing damage. Noise-induced hearing loss can come from a single loud source, such as an explosion or exposure over time. Employers should also recognize that employees are exposed to loud sounds outside the workplace. Therefore, a conservative approach toward minimizing the risks is best.

Noise risks in the manufacturing industry

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 46 percent of manufacturing workers have been exposed to hazardous noise. Approximately 18 percent of workers in this sector have hearing difficulty, and 11 percent have tinnitus.

A CDC report highlighted that close to 14 percent of manufacturing workers had some degree of hearing loss. This figure is slightly lower than the mining industry (at 16 percent) but higher than other high-risk sectors, such as agriculture and farming (11 percent) and transportation (just under eight percent).

A study on noise risks for manufacturing workers in Malaysia concluded that all workforces had a high risk of noise exposure. The metal, textile, and food industries were among the highest. Other data highlights that wood product manufacturing is another high-risk sector.

Manufacturing workers are exposed to several noises loud enough to put a worker at risk of NIHL. Significant noise sources include compressors, pumps, motors, fans, turbines, vents, steam leaks, and control valves.

How manufacturing employers can reduce noise exposure in the workplace

NIHL is permanent and irreversible. Therefore, employers should take every possible step toward minimizing the risks and protecting workers. The following actions offer guidance to get started and can also help prevent further hearing loss in workers with NIHL.

1. Understand the signs and symptoms of hearing loss

NIHL is one of the most common yet preventable work-related health problems. Understanding the warning signs of NIHL can help employers take action to create an early intervention plan. Common indications of hearing loss include:

• A ringing sound in one or both ears
• Asking people to repeat things they’ve said because you couldn’t hear them properly
• Muffled hearing or noticing temporary hearing loss at the end of a workday

2. Use audiometric testing to measure hearing loss

Audiometric testing is a reliable method for detecting hearing loss. Employers should provide baseline and periodic hearing tests to measure hearing loss. Doing so enables them to make the best decisions to protect their workers’ health.

Hearing tests measure how well a person can hear sounds at different pitches and intensities. Testing is not only recommended but often mandatory and is a vital step toward keeping workers safe. Employers can choose mobile testing for a convenient and time-efficient solution.

Book Audiometric Testing for your Workforce Today!

With over 6,500 locations across North America, SureHire can support your testing needs. Contact us to speak with a member of our team and request a quote today!

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3. Understand noise exposure limits

Subjective and objective measures can help determine whether workplace noise levels are problematic. Simple observations such as needing to raise your voice when speaking to someone close by can indicate that noise is above an acceptable level.

Employers must also understand objective measures for noise exposure. These limits can and do change over time, so it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with federal and regional laws, plus any industry guidelines.

The noise limit in most jurisdictions is 85 A-weighted decibels dB(A) over an eight-hour day. When sounds louder than 85 dB(A) are present in the workplace, the exposure time must be reduced accordingly.

4. Assess workplace noise exposure

Employers can use audiometric questionnaires to understand worker noise exposure from work and leisure over their lifetime. 

Similarly, a noise-specific workplace hazard assessment can provide insights into daily noise exposure. To measure noise exposure, employers must obtain information about noise levels emitted from different machinery and make calculations based on exposure time.

5. Adjust workplace processes to reduce risk

Wherever possible, employers can adapt the workplace layout and modify job task procedures to reduce noise exposure. Examples include:

• Place noisy machinery as far away from workers as possible, in an enclosed room, if feasible
• Create a well-designed job rotation plan to limit the time each worker spends in a noisy area
• Provide ongoing education and training for employees on how to use equipment properly and follow hearing-safe practices

6. Invest in noise-reducing equipment or modify existing equipment

Employers can purchase quieter, modern equipment to lower workplace noise levels. Or invest in additional parts designed to reduce the noise of existing equipment. Examples include:

• Barriers for sound-insulation to act as a noise-enclosure
• Machine mountings to reduce vibration levels
• Using noise-dampening materials for guards and panels
• Installing silencers to exhaust systems

Clean and service all equipment regularly to help ensure it maintains noise-reduction capabilities.

When working near noisy machinery is unavoidable, employees should use earmuffs or custom-molded earplugs to help protect their hearing. It is crucial to ensure any hearing protection fits well and that employees know how to use it properly.

NIHL in the manufacturing industry | In conclusion

Manufacturing is one of several high-risk industries for NIHL. It’s a widespread yet preventable problem, and employers can reduce the risks of ONIHL in several ways. Both employers and employees must be educated on avoiding NIHL, such as using appropriate hearing protection and minimizing exposure to loud noises.

Where hearing loss is already an issue, employers can find out how to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. 

For further reading about the manufacturing industry, find out about the most common musculoskeletal injuries in this sector and preventative tips to keep your workforce safe.

Book Audiometric Testing for your Workforce Today!

With over 6,500 locations across North America, SureHire can support your testing needs. Contact us to speak with a member of our team and request a quote today!

Contact Us!

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TAKEAWAY: The forestry and agriculture industry is a high-risk sector for occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL). This article explores the risks for NIHL in forestry and agriculture and what employers can do to minimize them.

By Elly McGuinness

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most prevalent work-related health problems. Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the term used for NIHL in the work setting, and the dangers of NIHL are more significant for workers in specific industries. The forestry and agriculture industry is one of these sectors, so this article explores the risks for NIHL in forestry and agriculture and what employers can do to minimize these risks.

NIHL can also occur outside the work setting. ONIHL is more common and serious because of its prolonged duration. Any type of NIHL, whether occupational or not, is permanent and irreversible. Employers can avoid or minimize the risk of NIHL in workers and prevent further damage in cases where NIHL is already evident.

This article is the third in a five-part series highlighting the risk of NIHL in various industries and offering action tips for employers. Read on to learn about NIHL risks in the forestry and agriculture industry and how to reduce them.

Book an Appointment Today!

SureHire’s audiometric testing services allow you to detect NIHL before it becomes a problem, providing you with the information you need for investigation and intervention so you can protect your workforce.

Book an Appointment

What does the research say about NIHL in the forestry and agriculture industry?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) highlighted a 2018 study indicating around 25% of all US workers have been exposed to hazardous noise, and approximately 12% have hearing difficulty.

Occupational hearing loss is a widespread problem. The following studies highlight findings relevant to the forestry and agriculture industry to better understand the risks in this sector compared with others.

An analysis of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) database across more than 30 years showed a high prevalence of noise in the forestry and agriculture industry. Regarding permissible exposure limit (PEL) for noise, the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sector had the highest mean noise levels.

Another study analyzed the audiograms of 1.4 million noise-exposed US workers, including over 17,000 in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (AFFH) sector. The results indicated a slightly lower prevalence of hearing loss in AFFH (15 percent) compared with all other industries combined (19 percent).

However, many of the AFFH sub-sectors exceeded this prevalence. The forestry sub-sector was the highest. Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products was particularly high at 36 percent, and Timber Tract Operations came in at 22 percent. 

Although industries like mining and oil and gas frequently show up in research studies as the highest-risk industries for NIHL, it’s clear that forestry and agriculture have significant NIHL risks.

Noise risks in the forestry and agriculture industry

Loud sounds can cause NIHL, either from a single loud blast or prolonged exposure. Sound sources in the forestry and agriculture industry that could cause hearing loss include the following:

• Chainsaws
• Tractors
• Silage blowers
• Forage harvesters
• Grain dryers
• Skid-steer loaders
• Guns

OSHA’s standard for acceptable noise exposure is 90 A-weight decibels dB(A) across an eight-hour work day. Sounds in agriculture and forestry will fall somewhere in a range of values, several of which will likely be higher than recommended levels if a worker is exposed to them all day.

For example, in farming, tractor noise will likely be between 74 and 112 dB(A). Noise from grain dryers is between 81 and 102 dB(A). Impact noise, such as gun firing, will be much higher but cannot exceed 140dB(A). 

In forestry, high-noise tasks include unlatching cables that hold and move logs (92 dBA) and using chainsaws (91-110 dBA).

How forestry and agriculture employers can minimize the incidence of NIHL in the workplace

Employers in the forestry and agriculture industry can take several steps to help reduce the incidence of ONIHL. The main action points are below.

Reduce noise exposure duration

When noise levels exceed acceptable standards across an eight-hour work day, employers must reduce the exposure duration accordingly. For example, at a sound level of 95dB(A), four hours is permissible, and at 115dB(A), 15 minutes is allowable over a day. Employers should use a job rotation strategy to ensure employees don’t spend too much time on noisy tasks.

Employers should recognize that employees are also exposed to hazardous noise outside the workplace, and individual variability means that some individuals are more noise-sensitive than others. Therefore, it’s vital to take a conservative approach to help protect workers.

Invest in quieter, modern equipment and keep it maintained

Newer equipment models are helping to tackle the problem of noise-induced hearing loss. Employers can invest in quieter equipment or modify existing equipment to help protect workers’ hearing.

Examples in agriculture include:

• Invest in tractors and skid-steers with enclosed sound-proof cabs to reduce operator noise exposure. Older tractors can be around 6dB louder than new tractors, and cabs reduce noise by approximately 16dB.
• To tractors, employers can add other noise-reducing materials such as soft foam or fibreglass.
• Ensure air compressors have mufflers and exhausts have silencers.
• Invest in modern equipment designed to be quieter, such as flexible mountings on modern leaf blowers and chainsaws.
• Use isolation materials such as rubber mounts and air cushions to reduce vibrational noise from equipment.
• Adhere to a regular maintenance schedule for tools and engine systems to replace worn-out parts and keep equipment lubricated.
• Keep non-essential noise, such as noise from a radio (which can add around 3-5dB of extra noise to tractor cabs), to low levels.
• Pin up signs to show the areas where hearing protection is required.

Use hearing protection

Any worker exposed to noise above 85dB(A) should use hearing protection. It’s a vital way to protect workers in the forestry and agriculture industry. Hearing protection is often misused, so employers must understand how to choose the most appropriate hearing protection and help employees to understand the importance of proper use. Employers can choose earmuffs or custom-moulded earplugs to protect their workers.

Audiometric testing

Employers in high-risk industries for noise exposure (such as those in the forestry and agriculture industry) should conduct audiometric testing on all workers. Baseline and periodic hearing tests can identify early signs of NIHL so employers can take action to protect workers from further damage.

Book an Appointment Today!

SureHire’s audiometric testing services allow you to detect NIHL before it becomes a problem, providing you with the information you need for investigation and intervention so you can protect your workforce.

Book an Appointment

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TAKEAWAY: Mining is one of the most at-risk industries for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), a preventable yet widespread problem. Read on to learn about noise risks in the mining industry and how you can take proactive steps toward risk prevention.

By Elly McGuinness

Mining is one of the most at-risk industries for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), a preventable yet widespread problem. Employers must understand the risks and take steps to reduce the incidence of NIHL to help keep their workers safe. 

NIHL occurs when a person is exposed to sounds loud enough to cause hearing loss. It may happen after a single loud sound or through exposure over time. The resulting damage causes permanent and irreversible hearing loss.

Book an Appointment Today!

SureHire’s audiometric testing services allow you to detect NIHL before it becomes a problem, providing you with the information you need for investigation and intervention so you can protect your workforce.

Book an Appointment

This article is the second in a five-part series on NIHL in various high-risk industries. Read on to learn about noise risks in the mining industry and how employers can minimize NIHL risks.

Noise risks in the mining industry

Noise is the primary cause of preventable hearing loss, and although overall noise exposure in mines has decreased over time, it remains a very high-risk sector. Data from 1999-2004 identified that the mining sector had a higher prevalence of hazardous workplace noise exposure than any other industry.

Exposure to sounds of 80dB or above can cause NIHL. The louder the sound, the greater the risk. Studies have found that the majority of miners are exposed to hazardous noise levels, most exceeding 85dB of eight-hour equivalent continuous exposure and some at the peak exposure standard of 140dB.

The mining industry exposes workers to several loud noises, including the following:

• The pneumatic percussion drill presents the most significant noise-related mining hazard
• Continuous and impact noise from extractive equipment, namely continuous miners and long-wall shearers
• Ancillary noise from fans and blowers used for mine ventilation
• Engine, transmission, exhaust, and vibration noises from loaders, haul trucks, and man-carrying haulage equipment

Mining is complex, and hazardous noise exposure levels can come from various processes, including blasting, drilling, cutting, crushing, conveying, material handling, and ore processing. Workers in underground coal mines and coal preparation plants are among the most at-risk for hazardous noise exposure. 

How mining industry employers can minimize the risk of NIHL in the workplace

Mining employers can help prevent hearing loss and avoid further damage to already-affected workers. The following suggestions will help employers tackle NIHL in the workplace.

Understand the risks and impact of NIHL, and your obligations

Employers must first understand the risks of NIHL in the workplace so they can take action to reduce or eliminate the risks. Noise exposure also occurs outside the workplace, increasing NIHL risks, so employers should take every step possible to lessen workplace exposure.

It’s also crucial to understand the impact of NIHL on workers and organizations. Communication can become difficult for hard-of-hearing employees, and they may experience tinnitus and other related problems. Hearing loss can impact job performance, impede employee career progression in hearing-critical roles, and adversely affect a worker’s quality of life.

Noise exposure standards and regulations protect most workers in the developed world. For example, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), part of the United States Department of Labor, sets noise exposure limits for mine workers. 

The CDC noise rule for miners states that permissible occupational noise exposure should not exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA8) of 90 dB(A). Employers should stay up-to-date on requirements as they may change over time. 

Canadian mining employers can refer to the Mining Association of Canada, the National voice of the Canadian mining industry. It’s also crucial to stay current with provincial and federal laws on noise exposure limits.

Audiometric questionnaires

Employers can understand worker noise exposure using a standard audiometric questionnaire to help determine lifetime noise exposure from work and leisure. It’s crucial to recognize that noise risks will vary between employees based on several factors, such as exposure levels, age, health status, and individual variability.

Invest in noise-reducing equipment

Mining industry employers can invest in modern equipment and technology with a quieter design to reduce worker risk. Examples include:

• Partial cabs between the operator and drill steel on surface-drilling rigs to lower the sound level at the operator station
• Coated flight bars on continuous miners have been shown to reduce sound levels by 5-7dB in a laboratory setting
• Jacketed tail rollers can further reduce the noise of continuous miners
• Dust collector designs can help reduce fan noise
• The combination of a bit isolator and a drill chuck isolator will reduce noise exposure for roof bolting machine operators.
• Structural modifications for longwall cutting drums can reduce noise from longwall shearers.

Mining sector equipment should be well-maintained and replaced when worn, and employers must train employees to use it properly.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for mining employees

Hearing protection devices such as earmuffs and custom-molded earplugs can help protect mining employees from hazardous noise. Employers should understand how to choose the right type of hearing protection for employees. 

Order Custom-Moulded Earplugs

Our custom moulded earplugs are made of medical-grade silicone that is soft and durable enough to last 5 years or more with proper care. With a variety of styles to choose from, that can be customized to ensure appropriate attenuation, you can feel confident knowing your employees will be safe, healthy, and productive on the job.

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It’s also vital that employees comply with usage recommendations for hearing protection devices. Employee education on the importance of using hearing protection devices and getting the right fit for the individual are important considerations here. Misuse is common in the mining sector and can render hearing protection ineffective.

Baseline and periodic hearing tests

Employers in high-risk industries for NIHL should review their health and safety programs to ensure they have solid preventative measures to protect employees. Audiometric testing is a vital and often mandatory tool for NIHL prevention and early detection. 

Audiometric testing evaluates a person’s ability to hear sounds of various intensities and pitches, thereby identifying normal or impaired hearing. The results enable employers to take actions that will help protect their employees from any further damage. Employers should arrange baseline and periodic hearing tests and can opt for convenient on-site testing to save time.

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SureHire’s audiometric testing services allow you to detect NIHL before it becomes a problem, providing you with the information you need for investigation and intervention so you can protect your workforce.

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NIHL in the mining industry | In conclusion

The mining industry poses exceptionally high risks of NIHL for workers, yet NIHL is preventable. The NIOSH mining program is addressing the issue of NIHL through its research program, and employers can also take several steps to mitigate risks.

Actions for mining employers can be as simple as helping employees avoid exposure to loud sounds wherever possible or reducing exposure time and frequency if avoidance is impossible. 

Modern, well-maintained noise-reducing equipment, appropriate personal protective equipment, and audiometric testing are three main areas employers can focus on to help their employees avoid NIHL or prevent further damage.
For further related reading, find out about NIHL in the oil and gas industry. Mining industry employers may also want to discover how to reduce musculoskeletal injuries in mine workers.

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TAKEAWAY: This article is the first in a 5-part series on the increased risks of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in various industries. It examines the noise-related risks workers in the oil and gas industry face, comparisons with other sectors, and employer obligations for protecting their workforce from workplace-related NIHL.

By Elly McGuinness

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Noise is among the most common occupational hazards, and occupational hearing loss is one of the most frequent work-related illnesses in North America. Workers in the oil and gas industry have a high risk of noise exposure, but there are several steps employers can take to mitigate this risk.

Any sound can be a hazard if it is loud enough or if a person is exposed to significant noise for long and often enough. When noise exposure exceeds recommended levels, it can damage hearing permanently.

Noise risks in the oil and gas industry

The 4 phases of oil and gas development are drilling, hydraulic fracturing, completion, and development. Studies show noise levels at each stage often exceed permissible commercial and residential levels. Drilling, fracturing, compressors, vehicle noise, venting, and flaring all contribute to excessive noise levels in the oil and gas industry.

Noise from the oil and gas industry affects workers and nearby residential populations. A scientific literature review on environmental noise exposure from the oil and gas industry showed a relationship with adverse public health outcomes. The study highlighted that oil and gas activities produce noise at levels that can negatively affect health aspects such as sleep quality and cardiovascular disease. 

If the industry noise affects those residing near the operation, then it’s clear that noise can affect on-site workers even more if they are not adequately protected.

Oilfield worker noise risks compared to other safety-sensitive industries 

NIHL is common in several industries, including manufacturing, forestry and agriculture, transportation, and mining. NIHL research in the oil and gas industry shows a high risk for workers compared with many other sectors.

A study on hearing loss in noise-exposed workers compared the audiograms of 1.9 million workers across all industries. The mining and oil and gas extraction (OGE) industries had a significantly higher prevalence of hearing loss than other industries. Mining came in the highest at 24 percent and OGE second with a 14 percent prevalence. 

All other industries combined came out at 16 percent. Some mining and OGE subsectors exceeded these prevalences. The study results highlight the high-risk level for oilfield workers compared to other industries because mining was the only industry with higher noise risks.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted that nearly 17 percent of mining, quarrying, and OGE workers had some hearing impairment. This percentage was similar to the construction industry and higher than all other industries. Because the report grouped OGE with mining and quarrying, it’s not possible to look at OGE hearing loss alone compared with other industries in this instance.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed data on workplace noise exposure and the use of Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs). Workplace noise exposure was highest in mining, followed by lumbar and wood manufacturing. Repair and maintenance, motor vehicle operators, and construction trades were high-risk occupations.

Common signs of hearing loss

Some of the most common initial signs of hearing loss include the following:

• Difficulty hearing others speak, especially women and children
• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Favoring one ear over the other
• A ringing sensation in one or both ears
• Others comment that you seem to have difficulty hearing

Employers should take a proactive approach to avoid NIHL. Both employers and employees should be aware of the initial warning signs of NIHL. This awareness enables the implementation of an early intervention to prevent further hearing loss.

Employer obligations

Employers can help prevent occupational hearing loss in the oil and gas industry in several ways. Examples of preventative measures and early intervention steps employers can take to help protect their employees include the following.

Employer education around noise exposure and regulations

Employers must understand provincial and federal laws for noise exposure. These can and do change over time, and employers must stay up to date with current industry and regional regulations.

Specifications usually highlight the maximum exposure duration for each noise level. For example, in most jurisdictions, the allowable steady noise level for an entire eight-hour work shift is 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA). Federal regulations are slightly higher, as are those in Quebec.

For each decibel above the limit, employers must decrease employee exposure time.

Invest in noise-reducing equipment

Alongside provincial, state, and federal industry noise regulations, employers can use noise-reducing equipment relevant to the oil and gas industry, including the following:

• Portable noise screens to reduce drilling noise
• A fully-enclosed sound-attenuated building or an absorptive noise barrier to reduce noise from natural gas compressors
• Other sound barriers made from steel and sound-absorbing insulation around additional noise-hazard facilities
• Engine mufflers
• Replace older equipment with quieter modern equivalents. For example, replace natural gas or diesel motors with electric ones and replace fan blades when needed.

Develop new noise-related procedures

Employers can take steps to reduce noise exposure for oil and gas workers by making environmental and procedure adjustments. Examples include:

• Providing quiet areas
• Restricting worker proximity to noise sources
• Limiting time spent in noisy areas
• Creating appropriate designated times for noisy activities

Invest in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for employees

Employers must supply appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for employees exposed to high noise levels. Custom-molded earplugs or earmuffs can help protect employees from NIHL.

Audiometric testing

A robust health and safety program combined with occupational testing can help contribute to safer workplaces in the oil and gas industry. Audiometric testing is one of the occupational testing services critical to this industry. As well as crucial, it’s a sometimes mandatory tool for detecting and preventing hearing loss.

Employers can also use baseline and periodic hearing tests that measure a person’s ability to hear sounds at different pitches and intensities. SureHire offers mobile, on-site hearing testing services for greater ease of testing and reduced downtime.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS: Hearing protection involves many variables, from preferences to the type of work your organization does — here’s what you need to know for your team’s health and wellbeing.

By Jennifer Crump

According to recent Statistics Canada research, an estimated 11 million Canadians (43% of the workforce) have worked in noisy environments. Over six million (56%) were considered to be vulnerable to noise because they were not required to use hearing protection devices and rarely or never did so. These workers were more likely than other workers to report conditions such as tinnitus and other hearing difficulties.

Workplace noise does not just cause potentially permanent hearing loss. It can also contribute to stress, elevated blood pressure (hypertension), cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance or sleep disorders, hearing loss, and a higher incidence of workplace accidents. However, hearing loss and the other effects of workplace noise are 100% preventable. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), if noise levels rise above 85 decibels, you should be wearing hearing protection. Many jurisdictions require this protection. Here is what you should consider when choosing the right hearing protection.

The Three Main Styles Available 

Hearing protection comes in three very different styles. Earplugs are made of a pliable material and are inserted directly into the ear. They are available in disposable, reusable and even custom formats. Semi-insert earplugs are earplugs that are held in place by a rigid headband. Earmuffs, sometimes referred to as ear defenders, are made of sound-attenuating material and have soft ear cushions that fit around the ear surrounded by a hard outer shell. An adjustable headband holds them in place. Ultimately, many workers have different preferences based on the type of work they’re doing, or what they personally find the most effective — that’s something you’ll likely want to take into consideration.

Comfort is key

Hearing protection can’t help if you don’t use it, and you won’t want to use it if it isn’t comfortable. It should fit tightly, but the pressure produced by the fit of earplugs and earmuffs shouldn’t be unbearable. The material they’re made from and how they fit inside the ear canal can both lead to pressure and discomfort with earplugs. The headband portion of earmuffs can also fit too tightly to the head. Ensure your employees have hearing protection that fits comfortably.

Size is also critical to comfort, particularly with earplugs. Smaller sizes are available for people with smaller ear canals who find the standard size uncomfortable. Earmuffs that are too tight can irritate and possibly lead to headaches. Heavier earmuffs can often be more effective in protecting your hearing, but weight can also affect comfort, especially for employees who have active jobs and are moving around a lot with the hearing protection on. Banded ear protectors are lighter and may be more comfortable, but may not provide the right fit you need.

Try a variety of ear protection options and test for proper fit and comfort — there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and it may take a while to figure out what the right solutions for your organization are.

Proper Fit Is Crucial

Ear protection has to fit well to work. Earmuffs that are too large can slip and allow noise in and cause damage to your ears. The same is true for earplugs. They should fit snugly in the ear to prevent noises from getting past them and into your ear. Audiologists and other trained professionals can also perform fit testing on your hearing protection. This testing can determine personal attenuation or noise reduction ratings for the device in your unique situation and identify issues or problems with existing protections.

Other personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety goggles or helmets, can also affect the fit, and the effectiveness, of hearing protection devices, so these should be considered as well.

Take the nature of the job into account

If work takes place in a hot and humid environment, earmuffs may be uncomfortable, and your employees may be tempted to remove them for occasional relief. This can negate the effectiveness of ear protection. In work environments where acoustic warning signals are essential, you may want to avoid protection that cancels these out or ensure alternatives such as warning lights are available for the safety of your team. In a confined space, larger earmuffs may be a problem, so you may want to choose a smaller or flatter model. These are all things to consider when determining what the right options for your team are.

The noise level in your environment should determine how strong your hearing protection is, but the nature of the noise is also essential. For example, if noise is intermittent, earmuffs might be a better choice as it can be ineffective and inconvenient to insert and remove earplugs as the noise level changes.

Consider Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and Single Number Rating (SNR) values 

Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) represent a calculation that audiologists and others use to place a value on the reduction in sound pressure levels on the ear with hearing protection. In other words, this value represents how effective your hearing protection is at reducing noise or cancelling out a specific number of decibels.

For example, if you are exposed to a noise level of 100 decibels and your earmuffs cancel out 60 decibels, you will only be exposed to 30 decibels of noise.

However, the NRR is a lab-created value, so to properly calculate the value for real-life work experiences, the Ministry of Labour recommends reducing the NRR rating by:

• 70% (0.7) for earmuffs
• 50% (0.5) for earplugs

Your hearing protection should always have an NRR value, so look for it when choosing your hearing protection. Similarly, a Single Number Rating (SNR) assigns a number value to hearing protection that you then deduct from the decibels you will be exposed to. It, too, is a lab-created value.

Get some help from the CSA Rating System

The Canadian Safety Association (CSA) produced a letter system that designates A, B, or C to a device depending on the range of noise reduction it provides. For example, for noise below 90 decibels, you can choose a C device. With 91-95 decibels, you should opt for B and 96-105 decibels, you should select an A level device. If noises reach over 105 decibels, you should be wearing dual devices to protect your hearing adequately. This can help make the process of finding the appropriate level of protection a bit more straightforward for employers.

Ensure your employees are protected 

Choosing the proper hearing protection is a decision that incorporates many variables. Balance protection with comfort to ensure the hearing protection chosen will protect your employees. You may also want to consider baseline audiometric testing to make more informed decisions about the hearing protection options you choose for your workforce. Periodic audiometric testing can help you confirm that there is no hearing deterioration detected amongst your employees — and if there is, it will help flag areas or issues you may need to address. 

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