If you work in a busy manufacturing plant or warehouse, you are probably aware of the dangers that surround you. You know, for example, you need to ensure that machines are turned off before cleaning them and that you need to check for forklifts when moving around.
What you might forget about is the danger that noise can pose to you. While extremely loud one-off noises can certainly leave you with hearing damage, the reason many people’s hearing gets damaged at work has more to do with the consistency of noise. While it might never be extremely loud, if it is consistently too loud, that can take its toll over time.
Employers must try to protect you from the dangers of noise
There are many techniques companies can use to reduce the threat of noise to their workers. One example is sectioning off loud machines, or at least the parts of them that make the most noise. Just like a ship has an engine room, a manufacturing plant can build a room around the motors of noisy machines to reduce how much sound reaches the ears of most workers.
Hearing protection is another thing employers should provide for their employees when noise can be an issue. The right headphones can make a big difference when worn consistently.
Distance and good planning can also help. While employers might be tempted to cram everything and everyone into as small a space as possible to reduce operational costs of the facility, a larger premises may allow more employees to be further from the sources of most of the noise and protect their hearing. Upgrading equipment to less noisy versions can also help.
Your hearing is precious. Once you lose it, you likely won’t get it back. If you are concerned, you may want to get it checked out promptly. If it is already too late, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation if you believe it was damaged at work. Having experienced legal guidance can help.
