Working in Noise: Avoid it.
4 July 2013
Read by 1739 persons
What is "noise"?
A normal conversation is about 65 decibels, while someone shouting is around 80. Even though the difference is only 15 dB, it represents an intensity thirty times greater.
The intensity alone doesn't determine how dangerous a noise is. The duration of exposure is also very important.
What are the risks of workplace "noise"?
Noise doesn't have to be excessively loud to be deeply harmful at work. It can add to other existing nuisances and:
• increase the risk of hearing loss
• be a significant source of work-related stress.
Exposure to noise can lead to:
• Significant hearing loss.
• Physiological effects: There's a link between noise exposure and the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to higher blood pressure.
• Work-related stress: Noise in the work environment is often a factor of stress, even at fairly low levels.
• Increased risks: High sound levels can make it difficult to hear and communicate, leading to more likely dangers.
Who is affected?
Anyone who works in noise is at risk. The higher the sound level and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of being affected.
In manufacturing industries, 40% of employees work in environments where sound levels are too high for more than half their working time. In construction, this figure is 35%, and in many other sectors, including agriculture, transport, and communications, it reaches 20%.
How to reduce the "risk of workplace noise"?
Employers are legally required to protect the health and safety of their staff by avoiding any noise-related risks in the workplace.
They must carry out an assessment; this may involve taking noise measurements, but taking into account all potential risks. If possible, eliminate noise sources, or at least control them at the source.
Mariam Amri
Head of Communications Department - ReKrute
A normal conversation is about 65 decibels, while someone shouting is around 80. Even though the difference is only 15 dB, it represents an intensity thirty times greater.
The intensity alone doesn't determine how dangerous a noise is. The duration of exposure is also very important.
What are the risks of workplace "noise"?
Noise doesn't have to be excessively loud to be deeply harmful at work. It can add to other existing nuisances and:
• increase the risk of hearing loss
• be a significant source of work-related stress.
Exposure to noise can lead to:
• Significant hearing loss.
• Physiological effects: There's a link between noise exposure and the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to higher blood pressure.
• Work-related stress: Noise in the work environment is often a factor of stress, even at fairly low levels.
• Increased risks: High sound levels can make it difficult to hear and communicate, leading to more likely dangers.
Who is affected?
Anyone who works in noise is at risk. The higher the sound level and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of being affected.
In manufacturing industries, 40% of employees work in environments where sound levels are too high for more than half their working time. In construction, this figure is 35%, and in many other sectors, including agriculture, transport, and communications, it reaches 20%.
How to reduce the "risk of workplace noise"?
Employers are legally required to protect the health and safety of their staff by avoiding any noise-related risks in the workplace.
They must carry out an assessment; this may involve taking noise measurements, but taking into account all potential risks. If possible, eliminate noise sources, or at least control them at the source.
Mariam Amri
Head of Communications Department - ReKrute
