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Hearing protection at the workplace
Information on "Noise protection"
In the course of implementing the EU directives, noise thresholds at the workplace will be lowered. Companies will then be required to adjust protective measures and hearing loss prevention measures accordingly.
Implementation and education
After implementation of these directives in our national laws, companies with assessed noise exposure levels of over 80 dB(A) will be obliged to provide employees with hearing protection. At levels over 85 dB(A) it will be mandatory to wear noise protectors. Education is the first step toward maintaining good health. Avoiding noise is naturally the safest protection option, but this is not always possible, particularly in the working world. However, there are many ways and means of protecting your hearing. Take preventive action! Noise causes illness. Hearing loss cannot be cured. And long before hearing loss occurs, our bodies react to noise. Starting at levels around 85 dB(A), constant exposure to noise may result in stress, irritability, nervousness, sleep disorders, digestive ailments, noise-induced hearing loss and increased pulse rate and blood pressure.
Available noise protection
In principle, the available protectors can be categorized as ear muffs with cups that enclose the outer ears or ear plugs (see photos below). Ear muffs are needed in workplaces with constant noise exposure; ear plugs are not very noticeable, and are actually hardly visible. Ear plugs are advisable in case of excessive sweating under ear muffs, when the individual must bear glasses or protective goggles at the same time or when other protective equipment such as breathing apparatus has to be worn. Polyurethane ear plugs are squeezed to form a thin plug before insertion in the ear canal, where they expand within a few seconds, forming a good acoustic seal for the ear canal. Insertion of ear plugs can be made easier by pulling the ear up and back to reduce the curvature of the ear canal (see diagram below).
Excerpt from the Accident Prevention Regulations
When selecting and regulating the use of hearing protection equipment, the company must utilize a risk assessment carried out in accordance with Section 7 of the Accident Protection Regulation "Noise" (GUV 9.20). 47 percent of all adults between the ages of 50 and 55 no longer have normal hearing. Occupational noise is the leading cause of noise-related hearing impairments. The Accident Prevention Regulation "Noise" (VBG 121) notwithstanding, it is also mandatory to comply with Section 15 of the Workplace Ordinance (Noise Protection).
Hearing – our most important sense
Excuses are no replacement for hearing protection!
Take preventive action! Noise causes illness and hearing impairment cannot be cured!
Our ear is our gateway to the world. Hearing is our most important sense. It has the greatest effect on our interaction with others. Have regular hearing checks-ups. Check-ups are especially important here for responding early to hearing impairment.
Take preventive action! Noise causes illness and hearing impairment cannot be cured!
Our ear is our gateway to the world. Hearing is our most important sense. It has the greatest effect on our interaction with others. Have regular hearing checks-ups. Check-ups are especially important here for responding early to hearing impairment.
