September 10, 2014
In continuation of Workplace Noise Exposure & Hearing Protection for Workers (Pt. 1), below we will continue discussing the issue of noise pollution in U.S. workplaces and what can be done to help protect workers and reduce their risk of developing hearing loss or other injuries.
Protecting People from Workplace Noise Exposure
Any occupational environment in the U.S. in which the average volume of workplace noise is at least 85 decibels is required to have an official hearing conservation program, according to regulations
enacted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Given the fact, however, that workplace hearing damage can occur at far lower volumes of regular noise exposure than 85 decibels – as well as the fact that permanent hearing loss among American workers is on the rise, it’s important that employers do the following even if their levels of workplace noise don’t exceed 85 decibels:
- Provide the appropriate personal protective gear
- Train workers on how to use this gear to protect their hearing
- Make an effort to reduce workplace noise exposure if and when possible.
One of the most important things that workers can do to reduce their workplace noise exposure and protect their hearing as they work includes (but is not necessarily exclusive to):
- Being diligent about wearing the appropriate personal protective gear – This includes wearing earplugs, earmuffs, and potentially even noise-canceling headphones when necessary. It’s important to point out that caution should be used when using (or even thinking about using) noise-canceling headphones, as this type of gear can prevent people from hearing important alarms or other warning sounds that may also be critical to protecting their safety.
We will discuss some additional ways that workers can protect their hearing when they may be regularly exposed to workplace noise in the conclusion to this blog series. Be sure to check it out!
Denver Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at the Bisset Law Firm
If you have suffered work-related hearing damage (or any other workplace injury), Denver Workers’ Compensation Attorney Jennifer Bisset wants you to know that she is here for you.
At the Bisset Law Firm, all of our legal professionals are committed to:
- Aggressively advocating our clients’ rights
- Providing them with the highest quality legal representation
- Keeping them informed about the progress and status of their case
- Helping them obtain the benefits they need and deserve.
When you choose to work with the Bisset Law Firm, you can trust that we will work diligently to keep your case moving and that we will keep you advised of every development in your case. While this means that you can count on us to promptly return every one of your phone calls, it also means that we are committed to meeting all of your case deadlines in order to help you secure the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact Us Today
Contact Denver Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Jennifer Bisset by calling (303) 894-8900 or by sending an email using the contact form on the side of this page to learn more about your rights and receive a professional evaluation of your case.
