Guest Contributor

How to Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in the Workplace

By | Karlyn McKell | Senior Content Marketing Specialist

Employees are a company’s greatest asset and it’s important to ensure their safety in the workplace. To protect employees’ well-being, employers must take the time to recognize any safety hazards in the workplace. In the United States, noise-induced hearing loss has become one of the most common occupational injuries among the working population. In fact, around 12% of the U.S. workforce suffer from hearing difficulties (CDC). These noise hazards can come from the use of high-power tools or even just loud music or conversation. 

Here are some actionable tips on how to protect against noise hazards in the workplace

Set Up a Physical Barrier

Setting up physical barriers between loud noises and your employees’ workspace is one of the quickest and effective ways to reduce the risk of occupational hearing loss. This could be done by investing in sound-absorbing equipment like acoustic curtains, acoustic walls, or acoustic panels. Though the installation process might require some time and effort, it will be worth it in the long run. 

Use Personal Protective Equipment 

PPE is important because it prepares employees for any safety risks and provides them with extra protection in the event of an accident. To lower the chances of suffering from irreversible hearing damage, it is crucial that all employers remind employees to wear hearing protection devices when working in loud environments. 

Modify or Replace Noisy Equipment

In industries like construction or manufacturing where employees are often required to operate heavy machinery on a daily basis, it is the employers’ duty to conduct equipment inspection regularly to check for any malfunctions. Old or abnormal equipment can produce excessive loud noises that may damage workers’ ears. If your work equipment is louder than usual, make sure to replace it or invest in gadgets like vibration dampers or silencers to reduce the noise to a minimum. 

Ready to upgrade your workplace and make it safer for your employees? Head over to Zoro to check out the best personal protection equipment and safety tools.

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