Hearing Protection

Because noise is a common problem on construction sites, hearing loss is common among construction workers.

Some Facts

• About 9 million workers are exposed to potentially hazardous levels of noise, according to the U.S. EPA.

• Studies have found that most carpenters are partially deaf after working in their trade for several years.

• Noise is measured in units called decibels (dBs or dBAs). Excess noise is generally considered exposure to 85-90 decibels or more over an 8 hour period. The allowable noise level set by OSHA for construction work is 90 decibels over 8 hours.

• Most construction noise is caused by equipment. Earth-moving equipment can generate 94 dBAs of noise up to 10 feet away.

• Ear muffs, plugs and canal caps can all reduce the amount of noise your ears are exposed to.

It Really Happens

A carpenter in the Stockton area was constantly having trouble hearing his co-workers. When he finally got around to seeing a doctor, he was diagnosed with a 50% hearing loss. The doctor attributed most of it to working near heavy equipment, which the worker had been doing for a good part of his career. When asked why he never wore hearing protection, the worker responded that he thought only the operators of the equipment needed hearing protection.

Employer's Role

• Conduct tests to determine the amount of noise employees are exposed to.

• Provide the appropriate hearing protection for the particular job or noise hazard.

• Reduce the amount of time workers are exposed to noise. Whenever possible, restrict workers from working too closely to noisy equipment.

Worker's Role

• Use hearing protection correctly and consistently.

• Depending on the type of hearing protection you use, replace or dispose of them as necessary. For reusable protectors, follow manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning and storage.

• Limit your exposure to loud noise, particularly the noise caused by power tools and heavy equipment. You should even limit your exposure to loud music.

Discussing Hearing Related Injury

• Which jobs expose us to the most noise? What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

• Do you know someone who has a hearing loss? How does it affect their lifestyle?

• Some workers still don't wear hearing protection, even when it's easily available. Why not?

• If you knew that any hearing loss you suffered would never be restored, would you be more careful about protecting yourself from noise? Would you be willing to turn the radio down or limit your use of power tools at home after using them all day on the job?