August 28, 2009
Did you know...?
Workers’ Comp claims for hearing loss can be curbed with screening and other controls in place
Noise problems in the workplace
may lead to workers’ compensation claims for hearing loss, but those claims may
not just be related to noise in the workplace but also age and lifestyle, according
to risk management experts.
Employers are urged to take steps to reduce noise in their workplaces, and to
screen current employees and new hires for preexisting hearing loss. That may
be most important for aging “baby boomers” and for younger workers who are
frequently connected to iPods and other electronic devices.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports approximately
30 million American employees are exposed to “excessive workplace noise,” which
can result in safety issues as well as having a detrimental effect on
individual workers.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association reports that while the most notable physical effect of noise exposure is loss of hearing, there are other effects as well such as:
- Increased blood pressure.
- Negative cardiovascular effects, such as changing the way the heart beats.
- Increased breathing rates.
- Disturbed digestion such as an upset stomach or ulcer.
- Can negatively affect a developing fetus, perhaps contributing to premature birth.
- Makes it difficult to sleep, even after the noise stops.
- Intensified effects of factors such as drugs, alcohol, aging and carbon monoxide.
Research is ongoing and
continues to provide data suggesting the devastating effects of noise on health.
Research is also on-going to determine if and what factors may contribute to
one's susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss.
Recent studies indicate that close to 40 million baby boomers are experiencing
some degree of hearing loss – twice as many as had been expected – and may be
attributed to having attended rock concerts and engaging in other noisy
recreational activities for nearly 50 years. Younger workers also may be at
increasing risk for auditory problems, since “Gen Xers and Millennials…are
constantly connected to their iPods and cell phones.”
Experts report industrial
operations comprise much of the hearing loss claims, with workers being exposed
to eight hours of the sounds of machines that could cause permanent hearing
damage within a few months.
OSHA reports that employers need to be aware of regulations governing noise
hazards and should monitor workplace conditions accordingly. Noise can
also hamper performance of daily tasks, increase fatigue and cause irritability.
Besides causing communication difficulties among coworkers, hearing loss can affect
personal relationships and create feelings of isolation.
The “rule of thumb” on noise is
that “if the environment requires somebody to ‘speak up’ in order to be heard,
there is probably a need to conduct noise monitoring to ensure compliance with
OSHA standards.”
Employers can help reduce occupational hearing loss and related workers compensation
claims if they:
- Conduct baseline audiogram hearing tests for new employees to detect preexisting hearing loss.
- Implement annual hearing tests for employees exposed to noise exceeding the OSHA action levels.
- Use annual employee hearing conservation training as an opportunity to educate employees about potential risks associated with “recreational noise.”
- Evaluate noise control features carefully when purchasing new equipment.
- Provide a variety of hearing protection devices and train employees on proper fit.
The best strategy for employers is to recognize the hazards of noise exposure and to protect employees from those dangers.
To learn more about OSHA Standards regarding hearing conservation (29 CFR 1919.95) visit OSHA’s website at: http://www.osha.gov/.
*Please feel free to forward this information to any member of management in your company who would benefit from it.*
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Independence, MO 64055 |
Lenexa, KS 66219 |
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1650 Broadway |
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Kansas City, MO 64108 |
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Kansas City, KS 66102 |
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816-842-2020 |
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