How To Control Noise Pollution In The Workplace
Noise pollution is a serious issue for many industries and companies. There are long-term health effects of noise pollution, such as sleep disruption, blood pressure, and hearing loss. While some industries and companies tend to be noisier than others, it is necessary to have some noise pollution control strategies in place to help reduce noise, especially if it exceeds the accepted decibel level.
In this article, we explore some of the ways that industries and companies can control noise pollution in the place of work. So without wasting more time, let’s delve into them.
- Measuring the decibel level of the noise
First things first, if a company wants to control noise at the workplace, they need to measure the noise decibel level. If it is less than 85 decibels, then noise pollution shouldn’t be a problem. If the noise produced by heavy machinery and equipment exceeds 85 decibels, employers must control noise pollution. They can achieve this through engineering and administrative controls.
- Install sound barriers
This is one of the most effective industrial noise canceling strategies. Installing sound barriers can be time-consuming and costly, but the results are incredible because they will reduce noise in the company or factory. Noise barriers can make it more comfortable to work in the company.
- Ensuring that all pieces of equipment are operating efficiently
This is also another strategy that can help companies reduce noise pollution. Of course, this is an engineering side of reducing the noise population. If a piece of equipment is worn out or damaged, it will be louder than a newer piece of equipment. It would be better to have the items repaired or replaced to keep decibel limits within a range that is not harmful.
- Provide employees with hearing protection
Employers also need to ensure that they provide their workers with effective hearing protection during their shifts. If the noise levels exceed 85 decibels, the employees need to be rotated so that they do not have to deal with over eight hours of exposure to noise pollution. This can go a long way in helping them prevent issues that come with long exposure to noise pollution.
- Educate employees about noise pollution
Every employer needs to inform his or her employees about what noise pollution is all about, its potentially harmful side effects, and how to control it. In addition to that, employers should also teach their workers about how to use the hearing protection provided to them. If their employees cannot properly use the hearing protection they are given, then having them won’t make any difference. Knowing how to use the hearing protection can protect the employees from any issue brought by noise pollution.
- Offer employee hearing test
It is advisable for employers to regularly test their employees for hearing loss, especially if they are more exposed to high levels of noise pollution. Through the test, it will be easy to pinpoint those employees who are experiencing ill-effects from noise pollution and transfer them to another department.
