Due to the use of heavy machinery, tools and vehicles, construction sites are often a noisy environment. Noise levels can easily exceed 85 decibels (dB), which is considered the threshold at which hearing damage can occur during prolonged exposure
Why is hearing protection so critical?
Continuous unprotected exposure to noise above 85 dB(A) can result in permanent hearing damage:
- Permanent hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause irreversible damage to the hair cells in the inner ear.
- Tinnitus: A constant ringing or noise in the ears, which can range from slightly irritating to severely disabling.
- Communication problems: Difficulty in understanding speech, which can lead to dangerous situations and reduced productivity.
- Increased stress: Constant noise can lead to increased stress levels and fatigue, which can negatively affect overall health.
Did you know that… Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common occupational medical condition in the EU?
Noise on a construction site
Varying levels of noise are often present in the construction industry.
- Carpentry 92 dB(A)
- Vertical grinding/cutting: 90 – 110 dB(A)
- Digging/scraping: 100 dB(A)
- MIG welding: 95 – 102 dB(A)
Many construction operations produce an average noise level above the upper limit value of 85 dB(A). This is why hearing protection is not an unnecessary luxury, but a necessity and even a legal obligation.
Noise levels during construction operations
Factors that increase the risk of hearing loss
- Not wearing hearing protection while exposed to hazardous noise, or removing the protection when communicating.
- Wearing hearing protection that provides inadequate noise reduction for the job
- Failing to verify that the hearing protection fits the employee correctly, and that the employee has been adequately trained
- Failing to test that the hearing protection provides the appropriate attenuation
The appropriate hearing protection for the construction industry
Below is a list of a number of hearing protection solutions that are ideal for work in the construction industry:
- 3M™ Peltor™ X4 earmuffs: These earmuffs have been designed for comfort and protection against moderate to high noise exposure during work where loud noises are often encountered.
- 3M™ E-A-R™ Push-Ins™ Earplugs: Feature a soft foam tip made from 3M™ E-A-Rform™ and featuring a smooth surface for improved comfort, and a semi-flexible stem that aids easy insertion and removal from the ear canal. Single-handed insertion of the earplug results in an SNR of 31 dB. Two-handed insertion results in an SNR of 35 dB.
- 3M™ Peltor™ Electronic Earplug, EEP-100: Helps protect workers' hearing and can help promote auditory awareness and communication in challenging environments.
Please note: These are recommendations that are valid for most construction sites. Would you like recommendations specifically for your work environment? In which case, we recommend that qualitative hearing measurements are carried out. You can read all about it in the article “The importance of qualitative noise measurement”
Remember… Effective ear protection only works if it is worn consistently.
For example, hearing protection with an SNR value of 30 dB that is not worn for 30 minutes per 8 hours reduces overall attenuation to just 12 dB.
In order to prevent incorrect use, it is important to pay adequate attention to conveying information about the correct use of hearing protection.
As an employer, you need to provide:
- Education and training: Employees must be informed about the risks of noise, and also be trained in the correct use of hearing protection.
- Regular inspections: Ear protection equipment should be checked regularly for signs of wear and for effectiveness. Checking for correct fit and the effective wearing method is not a luxury.
- Noise measurements: Perform regular measurements to monitor noise levels in the workplace and take the appropriate measures.
Want more information on hearing protection solutions? Then download the 3M e-book: Personal safety solutions for preserving hearing in the construction industry.
