Noise management in the electrical industry
Workers in the construction industry are among the most affected by industrial deafness. Safe Work Australia research shows that the construction industry is the third noisiest industry sector.
Noise at work can be harmful to hearing, but hearing loss is preventable if you adopt noise control measures and create an environment that protects the health of your workers.
What is hazardous noise?
Noise is measured in decibels and becomes hazardous when it exceeds workplace exposure standards. A business must ensure workers are not exposed to noise that exceeds the exposure standard. The exposure standard for noise is defined in the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 as LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) or an LC,peak of 140 dB(C).
As a practical indicator – if you must talk loudly to be understood by someone about one metre away then the background noise level is likely to be greater than 85 dB(A).
For further information see section Part 4.1 Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 - [01-a0-00].pdf
What are the risks?
Noise can impact people in different ways and the potential for it to cause harm is not always obvious.
Noise can affect workers by:
- being too loud – causing temporary or permanent hearing loss or tinnitus
- being distracting – low level, repeated noise can increase the risk or fatigue and cardiovascular disorders like high blood pressure and heart disease
- making it difficult to hear instructions, warnings and other sounds we need to keep safe.
Some common industrial chemicals and medications can cause hearing loss or worsen the effect of noise on hearing. These are called ototoxic substances. If they are absorbed into the blood stream, they may damage the cochlea in the inner ear.
There is also evidence that-hand transmitted vibrations can worsen the effects of noise on hearing.
