Tips to Avoid Hazardous Noise and Protect Employee Hearing Health

It may surprise you to learn that around 22 million workers face dangerous noise levels each year. This puts them at risk of hearing loss and similar health issues. Left unchecked, dangerous work conditions can lead to major problems like having legal action taken against you.

The good news is there are many ways you can reduce hazardous noise at your facility. Hearing protection training online is one of the most notable. Let's explore the information to keep in mind to keep your workplace safe.

Understanding Noise Exposure Risks

Loud noises can damage hearing. This is true even in short bursts. In some situations, prolonged exposure to moderately loud noises can also lead to hearing damage.

It's essential to measure the arduous exposure that workers experience during the workday. This will help you understand the protection requirements you need to implement.

It's also imperative to identify noise sources. Assess the areas where workers hear the loudest noises. Doing so will help identify which machines or activities cause the most hazardous noise.

Solutions for Noise Reduction

Engineering solutions are the best way to reduce hazardous noise. By cutting noise levels at their source, you can exponentially increase workplace safety.

Placing sound barriers between workers and noise sources lowers overall levels. Using soundproof panels or barriers around equipment goes a long way toward protecting their hearing.

In many cases, it can reduce damaging noise to safe levels. Regular equipment maintenance keeps machines from getting too loud.

Lubricating moving parts and replacing worn-out pieces are simple steps you can take. It's also recommended to replace old equipment with quieter models. This can substantially cut down on noise levels.

New machines often have better safety features and operate more efficiently. From here, you can boost productivity while keeping workers safe.

Using Administrative Controls

Administrative controls change how employees work to keep them away from loud noises. In most circumstances, these are easy to implement.

Moving employees to quieter tasks limits the time they spend in dangerous areas. Track the amount of time they spend in loud zones so you can make the appropriate changes.

Set up signs to convey high-noise zones. This helps them stay alert and know how to handle them. However, this is only effective with the right training.

Schedule the loudest tasks when fewer workers are around. For example, having fewer people on a shift means a lower number of people are exposed to harmful noises. This will substantially reduce the overall number of safety issues you deal with.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Even with good controls, workers still need personal protective equipment to keep noise at safe levels. Provide earplugs or earmuffs that fit well. If they don't wear them correctly, the equipment won't work as intended.

It's essential to use equipment with the appropriate hearing protection standard so you don't inadvertently put them at risk. In extremely loud areas, using both earplugs and earmuffs together offers the best protection. There should never be a scenario where your workers experience uncomfortably loud noises while using hearing protection devices.

Conduct Regular Hearing Tests

The use of regular hearing tests can spot hearing loss early and assess how effective your safety precautions are. There are two primary tests to consider:

1. Baseline Tests: Test new workers' hearing when they join the company to see their starting point
2. Ongoing Tests: Test hearing every year for workers exposed to loud noise

Be sure to provide the right level of support if issues arise in your work environment. For example, an employee might come to you after suspecting they have hearing damage. Your organization should have policies in place that determine the best course of action.

Listen to employee feedback and look for ways you can improve your organization's policies. Regular training and program evaluation go a long way toward getting the right results. It's also recommended to leverage new technology, as this can have an exponential impact on workplace safety.

Finding Hearing Protection Training Online

Finding effective hearing protection training online is essential for protecting employees from hazardous noise exposure. This will also prevent long-term hearing loss. Here's how to ensure you select the right program for your needs.

Reputation

Research platforms with a strong reputation in safety training. Look for reviews that mention timeliness, professionalism, and overall results. It's also important to keep an eye out for fake reviews so you can maintain an accurate perspective.

Content Quality

The course should cover key areas like identifying hazardous noise and best practices for preventing hearing loss. All course content should be up-to-date and aligned with OSHA's regulations. Content that is even slightly outdated can lead to major safety issues.

Interactivity and Flexibility

Choose training that includes interactive elements like quizzes or case studies. The course should also allow employees to learn at their own pace.

For example, many course providers allow users to start and stop the course as needed. Functionality like this is great for those with busy schedules.

Accessibility and Support

Users should be able to access the course on multiple devices. This maximizes flexibility and can make learning far more streamlined. The provider should have a robust customer support policy that quickly handles issues users encounter.

Certification

Look for programs that provide a recognized certificate upon completion. This helps ensure workers understand the content and can apply their knowledge in the workplace. It also helps users feel fulfilled after completing the course.

Make Workplace Improvements ASAP

Keeping employees safe from dangerous noise should always be a top priority. Hearing protection training online can help you get started on the right track and avoid issues you may have otherwise dealt with. Just be sure to research the training provider.

Compliance Training Online offers comprehensive certification courses designed for hazardous materials and workplace safety compliance. Each course includes interactive case studies, self-check questions, and a printable certificate upon completion.

Contact us today learn more about how we can help.