Why are we talking about Noise?
Noise on site is often seen as “part of the job” but the impact can be life-changing. Hearing damage is permanent – once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back.
Last year around 15,000 people suffered Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in the workplace. Many didn’t realise the damage was happening at the time because it’s gradual.
How loud is too loud?
The construction industry carries one of the highest noise-related health risks due to how much work is based around using grinders, breakers, disc cutters, hammer drills and heavy plant.
What does noise-related damage look like?
Conversation becomes difficult or impossible
Trouble using the telephone
Struggling to hear certain sounds like ‘t’, ‘d’ and ‘s’ and so confuse similar words
May suffer from tinnitus (constant ringing noise in ears)
You don’t feel pain while your hearing is being damaged, it’s a gradual process that permanently damages the delicate hair cells in your inner ear.
How we reduce the risk
The safest approach is always eliminate noise at the source where possible. Use the "Hierarchy of Controls" to determine the most effective way to manage noise, the most effective controls at the top and PPE as the last resort.
INJ’s expectations
Protect your hearing every time you are making noisy works, not just “when you remember”
Speak up if noise levels are excessive or controls are missing
Report faulty or excessively loud equipment immediately
Contact information for further info:
Charlie Woodbridge, +44 7857 086702, charlie@injoinery.com