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Preventing Hearing Loss Injuries at Work - Worksafe Sask

To prevent hearing loss at work, employers should reduce noise levels through engineered noise control methods, such as purchasing quieter equipment and enclosing noise sources. If engineering controls are insufficient, administrative controls like limiting exposure time can be implemented, along with hearing protective devices that meet CSA standards. For legal requirements and further information on noise exposure, consult relevant Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and publications.

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13 views1 page

Preventing Hearing Loss Injuries at Work - Worksafe Sask

To prevent hearing loss at work, employers should reduce noise levels through engineered noise control methods, such as purchasing quieter equipment and enclosing noise sources. If engineering controls are insufficient, administrative controls like limiting exposure time can be implemented, along with hearing protective devices that meet CSA standards. For legal requirements and further information on noise exposure, consult relevant Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and publications.

Uploaded by

anjelregan.ar
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Preventing Hearing Loss Injuries at Work


To prevent hearing loss in the workplace, employers must reduce noise levels and/or the
length of time a worker is exposed to noise. The noise level is measured in decibels (dB).

The best way to reduce noise levels in the workplace is to control it before it reaches the
ears. This is called engineered noise control. Options include:
 Purchase quieter equipment. Check out noise levels before buying and ask about quieter
options. For example, a slower speed fan will have less noise than one with higher
speeds.
 Fit existing equipment with noise control devices. Check with suppliers for mufflers,
silencers, or special nozzles designed to reduce noise. Add damping materials to chutes
and bins.
 Enclose the source of the noise. An enclosure lined with sound-absorbing material can
reduce noise levels by 25 dB. It may also double as a safety guard and/or environmental
barrier.
 Protect workers in a booth. Operator booths that are lined with sound-absorbing material
generally reduce noise levels by 20 dB. When workers spend most of their time within the
booth, it can reduce the risk of injury by lowering both noise levels and exposure times.

If engineering controls are not possible or don’t reduce the noise to acceptable levels
consider administrative controls, such as reducing the length of time workers are exposed to
the noise. For example, have workers switch halfway through their shift to a quieter machine
or area of the building.

Hearing protective devices such as ear plugs or ear muffs can be used to supplement
engineering and administrative controls. Hearing protective devices are also used in cases
where engineering and administrative controls cannot be used or as an interim measure, for
example while engineering controls are being installed. Hearing protective devices should be
selected to meet Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standards and take into
consideration criteria such as daily noise exposure, communication demands, and the work
environment.

To learn the legal requirements for hearing protection, consult your Federal and/or Provincial
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/ohs). For more information
on how noise level and exposure is determined, refer to the following publications of the
OHSD, found at http://www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/ohs-publications-forms:

Noise in the Workplace: www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/noise-workplace


Noise for Farmers: www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/noise-farmers
Audiometric Testing in Saskatchewan: www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/audio-metric-testing-sk

December 2012

Visit our website at www.worksafesask.ca

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