Workplace noise assessment is one of the most important steps in the protection of the health of employees, especially in an industry where the level of noise usually reaches or surpasses limits set by regulatory standards. Long-term exposure to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing damage, leading to increased stress, decreased productivity, and workplace accidents. As it stands, noise exposure is strictly regulated under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011 in Australia. The discussion that follows explains why noise assessment is crucial, what it comprises, and good practices that a business needs to observe.
Why Is Noise Assessment Important?
Noise in the workplace is not just a matter of comfort; rather, it is a serious health hazard. The possible outcome of long exposure to excessive noise could be noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)-a condition that is permanent and irrecoverable. Increased vulnerability to health hazards from noise includes industries like construction, manufacturing, mining, and aviation.
Prolonged noise damages hearing and further leads to accidents at work as a result of one failing to hear the others or to listen out for alarms and warnings. Noise exposure also depresses concentration through the induction of mistakes, fatigue, and stress on workers. Close acquaintance with noise hence prevents hearing damage and increases, in general, the aspect of safety and productivity at work.
Noise Exposure Standards for Australia:
In Australia, noise exposure is strictly controlled under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011. According to these regulations, the approved level of exposure is :
- 85 decibels (dB)averaged over an 8-hour workday, or
- 140 decibels (dB) for peak noise, such as a single loud sound like an explosion.
If workers are exposed to noises above these limits, then an employer must take immediate action in order to reduce exposure and protect the workers. Noise assessments play a major role in identifying areas where noise may pose a risk, thus enabling businesses to meet such regulations without any penalties.
How Noise Assessment Works?
Noise assessment is defined as the systematic measurement of noise levels in the workplace and then finding out whether the levels exceed acceptable limits. The common steps of noise assessment will include the following:
1. Hazard Identification in Noise
The first step to a noise assessment is the identification of those areas within the workplace where noise may present a risk. These are typically areas where substantial noise is emitted by machinery, equipment, and processes. Examples include factory floors, construction areas, and areas in proximity to heavy machinery.
2. Measure Noise Levels
Where there is a possibility of noise exposure, noise levels should be measured. There are two key ways of measuring noise levels in the workplace:
- Area Noise Monitoring: Noise levels in an area are measured by sound level meters that measure in fixed locations. Thus, this is useful for delineating those locations where the noise levels remain unacceptably high.
- Personal Noise Monitoring: Workers wear personal dosimeters for the duration of their shift to measure their personal exposure. This yields an appropriate and quite precise measurement of the worker’s overall daily exposure or even exposure over a single shift.
3. Analyze Results
Data analysis is carried out after collection to see if the levels of noise exceed the legal exposure standards. Where any of the measurements indicate noise levels beyond the threshold considered safe, then more actions must be taken to minimize the hazard.
4. Implement Noise Control Measures
If noise levels are hazardous, a business should take noise control measures. These may include:
Engineering controls include modifying equipment or processes to reduce noise at its source. Examples would be the installation of quieter machinery, the addition of soundproofing materials, or the creation of physical barriers between workers and noisy machinery/ equipment. Administrative Controls: Institution of policies that limit the time workers spend in noisy areas, adjustment of work schedules, or provision of quiet break areas with the aim of minimizing overall exposure.
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment: When other controls are inadequate, ear plugs or earmuffs shall be provided to workers to protect their hearing.
5. Monitor and Review
Noise assessments should be regularly performed, especially upon the introduction of new equipment or changes in work procedures. Employers should also check on the effectiveness, at appropriate intervals, of any control measures they have adopted in order to ensure continued protection of workers against damaging exposure to noise.
Legal Obligations of Employers:
Under Australian law, it is the responsibility of every employer to conduct noise risk assessment at the workplace and take all possible measures for the minimisation of those risks. Failure in carrying out regular noise assessments or failure to effectively install controls has the potential for attracting significant penalties.
The key legal obligations on employers include:
- Conducting Periodical Noise Assessment: It is required that employers regularly conduct noise assessments with the view to determining whether or not workers are being exposed to harmful noise.
- Hearing Protection Provided: When the noise cannot be reduced to a safe level, appropriate hearing protection will have to be provided by the employer for the workers. Training Employees: Workers are to be informed about the hazards of noise exposure and trained in using hearing protection correctly.
- Monitoring Health: Workers are entitled to regular audiometric testing – hearing tests – where there is a high level of noise to check on their long-term hearing health.
Best Practices for Effective Noise Assessment:
In compliance with the WHS for noise and to save workers from its hazards, the following best practices should be considered by businesses:
1. Engage Qualified Professionals
Noise assessments need to be done by qualified professionals-occupational hygienists-who have the expertise and equipment to measure noise accurately.
2. Regular Assessments
Noise levels in the workplace can change because of changes in equipment, or alterations in work practices, or from wear and tear on the equipment itself. Regular assessments help ensure that new hazards are identified and hazards controlled as they emerge.
3. Employee Participation
Workers often become aware when the levels of noise become too loud. It is good to involve employees in the assessment process and provide them with a channel through which they can report noise-related hazards. Besides this, regular training on risks associated with noise exposure and proper use of PPE is essential for effective hearing protection.
4. Maintain Detailed Records
The employers should also keep all the noise assessment, control measures, and audiometric tests duly recorded. Records are crucial in establishing that a business has actually complied with the WHS regulations on noise management, as well as in monitoring the progress of a business noise control policy over time.
5. Continuous Improvement
Noise management is actually one continuous improvement process. Businesses should regularly revisit noise control measures put in place to ensure their continued effectiveness and make adjustments where appropriate.
Conclusion:
What is needed is proper assessment of exposure to workplace noise for protecting the employees from the effects of excessive noise. By being able to know the hazardous levels of noise, by applying appropriate measures of control, and by following the regulations concerning WHS, it would be a great support in significantly reducing the risk of hearing loss apart from ensuring general workplace safety. Regular assessments, employee training, and audiometric testing to ensure that businesses remain compliant and provide a healthy work environment for all employees.
