When people imagine construction sites, many think of large equipment, like jackhammers, diesel-powered vehicles and other powerful machines, generating noise that can reach hazardous levels.
Unfortunately, many companies fail to provide construction workers with adequate training in hearing protection. This can result in serious worksite injuries, such as hearing loss, for which employees may need to seek workers’ compensation benefits.
Is your employer liable for dangerous occupational noise exposure? The answer may be yes if they don’t adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and follow National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommendations.
How is occupational noise measured?
Sound level meters and dosimeters measure noise in the workplace. Measurements record the following:
- Sound or noise level at a given time
- Sound level averaged over eight hours
- Percent of allowable noise exposure, also known as noise dose
Excessive levels can create a health risk and should be reported. But how do you know if you’re at risk?
Permissible noise levels for workers
OSHA mandates employers to take administrative or engineering steps to reduce noise if it exceeds these levels, measured in A-weighted decibels (dBA). Here are OSHA’s acceptable levels:
- 90 dBA for 8 hours
- 92 dBA for 6 hours
- 95 dBA for 4 hours
- 97 dBA for 3 hours
- 100 dBA for 2 hours
- 102 dBA for an hour and a half
- 105 dBA for an hour
- 110 dBA for half an hour
- 115 dBA for a quarter of an hour or less
If noise reduction efforts aren’t possible, your employer must provide hearing protection and educate workers about the risks of not wearing noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.
How is noise controlled in the workplace?
To properly reduce noise in the worksite, your employer must find out:
- The noise level in the construction site
- How much noise reaches workers’ ears
- The frequency content of the noise
- What’s producing the noise
Investigating noise exposure is a standard regulation in worksite evaluation and monitoring.
How does North Carolina protect workers’ hearing?
In March 2024, the North Carolina Department of Labor released a list of general industry standards requiring written safety and health programs. Programs on occupational noise exposure will include:
- Hearing conservation
- Monitoring
- Audiometric testing
- Training and education
State efforts to strengthen protection against occupational hearing loss are vital. However, when employers don’t exercise due diligence, workers are at risk of injury, which could result in lost income and medical expenses.
Consulting an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help an employee navigate the complex process of determining compensation and ensure that they can claim damages for hearing loss and other work-related injuries.