Noise: the invisible hazard
Studies show that excessive noise affects people on psychological, cognitive and behavioural levels. It also leads to loss of hearing and a condition called tinnitus, which causes constant ringing in the ears. In the UK, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into general effect in 2006. In 2008, they were also applied to the music and entertainment sectors.
The HSE stipulates that the regulations aim to protect the hearing of employees. In terms of these provisions, employers have a duty to:
- Provide hearing protection when workers are exposed to 85dB (decibels) and more.
- Define and identify noise and hearing protection zones when noise levels are 85dB or more.
- Train and inform workers about noise hazards and the consequent effects when noise levels are 80dB or more.
- Ensure that noise levels do not exceed 87dB.
Hearing loss due to noise hazards
The HSE mainly gathers its information on work-related, noise-induced hearing loss from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB). These sources often present different statistics because:
- The LFS provides estimations of self-reported cases, including new and long-standing cases.
- The IIDB statistics include only new claims per annum. These cases are normally based on a much stricter definition of hearing loss where claimants must have deafness exceeding 50dB in both ears.
Given these exclusions, the LFS is the go-to source for hearing loss cases caused by noise hazards. The most recent LFS reports, covering the period 2018/19 to 2020/21, indicate that approximately 14,000 employees have work-related hearing problems.
The 2011 case of Baker versus Quantum Clothing Group Limited highlighted the importance of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations. Workers who suffered noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) commenced legal procedures against their employer, a textile manufacturer. The courts ruled against the company in favour of the claimants. Employers should therefore take all reasonable measures to control noise hazards and provide employees with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
When is noise a hazard?
Some noise hazards are easy to identify, while others may be more difficult to assess. The HSE recommends using the following criteria to determine whether noise is a hazard:
- Constant intrusive noises, such as busy roads, cleaning equipment, or crowded places such as restaurants.
- Employees have to raise their voices to have normal conversations when two metres apart for at least part of the day.
- Use of loud power tools or machinery for more than half an hour each day.
- Sectors such as construction, demolition or road repair activities. These also include the most hazardous jobs for hearing, such as woodworking, plastic processing, engineering, textile manufacturing, forging or stamping, paper and board making, food and beverage processing, and waste and recycling.
- Impact-based noises such as hammering, pneumatics and explosive sounds caused by cartridges, detonators or guns.
- Environments where sirens are needed to warn people of changing conditions.
“Workers can be up to 66% less productive when exposed to minor noises.”
Effect of noise hazards on wellbeing and productivity
Excessive noise not only irritates people but also affects the productivity of employees. Indications are that noise hazards, such as ringing phones or loud conversations, trigger physiological stress responses in the human body and can even lead to spikes in blood pressure and heart rates.
Studies determined that workers can be up to 66% less productive when exposed to minor noises such as nearby conversations. The British Journal of Psychology supports this finding and labelled background noise as a productivity killer.
Architecture critic Tom Dyckhoff wore a brain activity measuring cap in an open-plan office. The results revealed intense distractive bursts.
The World Health Organisation estimates that Europe loses about £30bn each year due to noise pollution in lost working days, healthcare expenses and reduced productivity are considered. Statistics back this notion and shows that open-plan office workers take 70% more sick days.
Eliminating noise hazards
Some noise hazards can be eliminated, while others remain part of daily work life. Employers should carefully assess work setups, situations and activities to determine the actions needed to protect workers against noise hazards. This includes:
- Identifying the source of the noise.
- Measuring noise levels in different zones.
- Evaluating the specific risks to health and safety.
- Deciding on necessary PPE.
Employers must record all assessments and noise-hazard actions taken. They must also regularly review situations and adjust their actions.
Most offices have noise levels of between 45dB and 60dB. This is already excessive when the law requires the issuing of PPE from 85dB. Noise hazards cause physical and psychological harm and employers must curb this risk.
Noise scale chart
10dB Breathing
20dB Rustling Leaves
30dB Whisper
40dB Refrigerator
50dB Moderate Rainfall
60dB Conversation
70dB Car City Traffic
80dB Truck
90dB Hairdryer
100dB Helicopter
110dB Chainsaw
120dB Police Siren
130dB Jet Engine
140dB Fireworks
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