Construction sites are, by nature, noisy places. While this can be annoying for local residents, its effects can be far worse for the construction workers onsite. Regular exposure to high noise levels can cause temporary, and sometimes permanent, deafness or tinnitus.
Temporary Deafness can be a warning sign, it often occurs after leaving a noisy place with hearing returning to normal levels within a few hours. If it frequently occurs after leaving work then it’s important to review noise levels and look at ways of reducing it. If left unaddressed irrevocable damage can be done.
As well as hearing damage, noise can also create a safety risk. This is especially true if workers are unable to communicate with each other or hear warning alarms.
Warning Signs of Hearing Damage:
- Ringing in ears
- Unable to hear as clearly as before
- Difficulty hearing sounds
- Difficulty working out direction of noise
Workers Who Use the Following Power Tools are Most Likely to be Affected:
- Concrete breakers, pokers and compactors;
- Sanders, grinders and disc cutters;
- Hammer drills;
- Chipping hammers;
- Chainsaws;
- Cartridge-operated tools; and
- Scabblers or needle guns.
How Do You Know if it’s Too Noisy?
A good indicator of whether your workplace is too noisy is the “one and two meter” test.
Two-metre: If you have to raise your voice (or repeat yourself to someone who is standing two metres away) then the noise level is likely to be above 85 dB.
One-metre: If speech is difficult at a distance of just one metre then the noise level could be 90 dB or more.
6 Tips for Reducing Exposure to High Noise Levels
- If the 2m test shows it’s difficult to hear each other then it’s probable that the noise from the equipment is loud enough to damage a person’s hearing. In this case a noise assessment should be carried out.
- Check that noise reduction is built into machinery when you’re buying or hiring it.
- Find out if damping can be used to reduce noise coming from machinery or equipment.
- Power tools and other work equipment should be serviced and maintained regularly. This will help prevent unnecessarily high noise levels and guarantee efficient operation.
- Where possible ensure noisy jobs are carried out away from workers who are not involved.
- Provide ear defenders and check they’re worn. It’s important they’re the correct size, kept clean, inspected regularly and replaced if damaged.
Employers have a duty of care to their employees, which means they have a responsibility to protect them, as well as contractors and visitors. This should be done through carrying out noise risk assessments, checking and maintaining equipment and providing appropriate safety wear such as ear protectors.
We Can Help
If you are injured at work as a result of your employer’s failure to do the above (negligence) then you may be entitled to make an accident compensation claim. Our friendly specialist advisors can talk to you about your situation and see if you have a valid genuine compensation claim. There is no charge for this service and you are under no obligation to claim with us.
If You Have a Genuine Claim, Contact a Genuine Company
May I Claim, is a trading name of R Costings Limited and our CRM number is 25770
If you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault and suffered an injury - you can trust us to handle your claim professionally.
Call us now on 0800 756 7774 and talk to us to find out if you have a claim - or fill in our Quick Claim form (on the right of this page).
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