Noise generated by power tools, machines, and vehicles is so common in some factories and at construction job-sites that it may be largely ignored by employees as just another workplace nuisance when, in reality, their ability to hear is being adversely affected.

Hearing loss typically is gradual and often undetected until it is too-late and no pill or medical procedure will restore it.  This is a serious occupational illness and, although it has never been included in OSHA’s yearly Top Ten citations list, it is the most common workplace hazard, impacting an estimated 22 million workers per year with related disability claims costs amounting to 242 million dollars.

Apart from hearing loss, the physical effects of prolonged exposure to high noise levels (more than 85 decibels exposure during any eight consecutive hours) can lead to depression, stress and cardiovascular disease. 

While hearing protection regulations and hearing loss prevention programs have been and will continue to be emphasized by OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety (NIOSH) has taken a different path to address the problem.   This agency is a bureau of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and, like OHSA, is committed to protecting American workers from on-the-job hazards.

NIOSH has developed a strategy to raise awareness among employers and tool manufacturers alike to help reduce ambient environmental noise levels at the source through its Buy Quiet program, an initiative that promotes the introduction of quieter tools, machines and equipment to construction job sites and factory floors.   The program is designed to convince both parties that lower decibel levels are important for preventing hearing loss. 

NIOSH believes that source noise reduction will be successful only if employers demand quieter tools and tool manufacturers respond to this demand by increasing quiet tool selection and availability.  It contends that, although some quiet tools may be more expensive than conventional

tools, an estimated $100 per DBA reduction will be realized by decreasing the long-term costs of providing personal protective equipment (PPE), workers’ compensation and audiometric testing.

For more information regarding NIOSH’s Buy Quiet program, please click on the link below:

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/buyquiet/default.html

Please direct any questions or concerns to:

The Safety Division at Hamond Safety Management

Anthony Vacchio,   [email protected]   516-762-4224