Noise: An Invisible Safety Hazard

Many of the safety hazards in your workplace are visible, such as dangerous chemicals, machinery and equipment, dust from operations, etc. However, some hazards can’t be seen’but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous to workers’ health and safety.

Noise is a perfect example. Exposure to excessive noise levels can lead to permanent and irreversible hearing loss for workers. And they often don’t realize their hearing has deteriorated until it’s too late.

High noise levels are a common issue in many workplaces. For example, in a recent poll, 35% of you said that excessive noise was a problem in your workplace.

The OHS Insider can help you protect workers from excessive noise with:

• Information on complying with hearing conservation program requirements
• An Annual Hearing Conservation Program Review Form to use when reviewing your program each year
• Spot the Safety Violation: Protection from Invisible Safety Hazards.