Protect your Hearing

Noise in the workplace can be a serious problem. While Australians who work with heavy machinery are always aware of the loud noises at their workplace, even those who work in other jobs need to be wary. From those who work with musical equipment to those in offices, hearing loss can impact everyone. There are laws and codes in place to protect workers from the damage caused by loud noise, but it is up to both management and the workers to make sure these laws are followed.

Noise is heavily regulated in the Australian workplace in an attempt to provide an atmosphere of safe work for all. The National Standard for Occupational Noise sets strict guidelines for how much noise a worker may be exposed to. It also provides guidelines for protection from noise. These legal protections serve two purposes. First, they help to make sure that all Australian workers can go home without hearing damage after work. They can also help make sure workplaces remain safe from mistakes caused by workers with damaged hearing.

New technologies also help to protect hearing at work. Quieter machines mean quieter workplaces, and even basic tools like earplugs can help save a worker’s hearing. These technologies are only useful when used properly, though, so we must implement their use properly.

Employers and employees each have different responsibilities when it comes to workplace noise. Employers, for example, must realize that it is important to reduce the overall level of noise when possible and to provide ear protection when it is not. Workers must always be sure that they use the provided noise protection properly, and they should ensure the employer always knows when there is an issue that involves noise in the workplace. If the employer isn’t aware of a problem, there is nothing he or she can do to fix it – workers need to be vigilant first reporters.

Hearing can be damaged irreparably by noise in the workplace. Both employers and employees need to take steps to minimise risk. Whether this means providing equipment or simply looking into noise-dampening technology, this responsibility falls on the shoulders of all. With a little hard work and a great deal of awareness, workers can remain safe from loud noises and will not have to deal with the long-term effects of work-related hearing loss.