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Noise is probably one of the most common hazards in construction. But it often goes unrecognized because hearing loss creeps up on you. It doesn't happen all at once. When you are exposed to too much noise, you can lose your hearing. You can also lose your life. On the job:
Notes: Ask trainees: Do you know any co-workers with hearing loss? Family members? Grandparents? Hearing experts say that our ears have a finite lifetime capacity for noise exposure. Even lower levels of noise use up this capacity. Exposure to higher levels of noise for continuous periods uses up your lifetime capacity too soon. After years of too much noise, the nerve cells in the inner ear die. You slowly loose the ability to hear and understand speech. Then suddenly you realize you are hearing impaired. Ask trainees: What are other noise sources? Examples: traffic, compactors, and milling machines. Discuss non-occupational noise exposures and the need to protect from them as well (lawn mowers, rock concerts, headphones, motorcycles). Could Road Work Be Less Noisy? Yes. There are efforts being made by engineers, manufacturers, and contractors to make road construction more quiet. Noise levels can be reduced by:
Wear hearing protectors. If you must shout to talk with someone 3 feet away, you need protection from noise:
Notes: DEMONSTRATION: Use a sound level meter (an inexpensive meter can be purchased from Radio Shack for about $35) to show trainees how it measures sound levels. Use it to measure non-occupational noise sources. What are some early signs of hearing loss? Have you ever driven home with the car radio on and when you started it up the next morning it blasts in your face? You probably experienced some temporary hearing loss that previous day. Or do you have to turn up the TV to listen and your family complains that it's too loud? Or do you have a hard time hearing conversation in a noisy room or on the job site? If so, these may be early signs of hearing loss. Hearing loss often comes on gradually and unnoticed. That's why hearing tests are so important. Back to Contents |
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©2002 Laborers Health & Safety Fund of North America,Washington, DC All rights reserved. This material was produced under grant number 46C1-HT21 from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor to a consortium of the Laborers' Health & Safety Fund of North America (LHSFNA), the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), and the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA). It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. No statement made in this booklet should be construed to convey an impression that any member of the consortium, its affiliates, or employees have assumed any part of the employer's exclusive legal responsibility for providing a "safe and healthful workplace" as mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Produced for the consortium by FOF Communications.