The Best Ways to Avoid Hearing Loss in the Workplace
Listen up!
You could be at risk of losing your hearing because of where you work, according to EHS Today, an occupational safety and health magazine.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to damaging noise levels at work, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says workplace-related hearing loss is the most commonly reported injury.
Jobs where workers are regularly in danger include manufacturing (hearing loss is the most commonly recorded occupational injury), construction, carpentry, mining, entertainment, military and agriculture.
There are many risks associated with hearing loss:
- Hearing protects us from harm by alerting us to possible dangers, such as an approaching vehicle or broken machinery.
- Injuries are more common among workers who cannot hear warning sirens or other alerts.
- Hearing loss negatively impacts quality of life – for example, making interpersonal communication difficult and straining relationships.
- The ringing of ears associated with hearing loss interferes with sleep and concentration, sometimes leading to depression, anxiety and stress.
Other symptoms range from social rejection and loneliness to impaired memory and the inability to learn new tasks.
Is Your Employer Listening?
The key is prevention. Steps employers can take include:
- Regular, ongoing observation. Employers who monitor sound levels can help employees understand when the risk of hearing loss is highest.
- Annual audiograms. Results can be compared to previous tests to protect workers.
- Employee training. Minimally, employers should conduct annual training, including one-on-one sessions for workers exposed to louder noises. Regular reminders throughout the year are also recommended.
- Protective equipment. Many options are available, including different styles of earplugs and earmuffs.
Contact Someone Who Will Listen
Unfortunately, some employers play down the importance of hearing safety. They may reason that a certain amount of hearing loss is acceptable among workers as part of the job. They may think safety programs are too expensive. They simply may not care. If you’ve suffered workplace hearing loss, your life is changed forever because your hearing is not coming back. In the end, it comes down to your word vs. the word of your employer, their attorneys and their insurance company as you’re trying to navigate the complex world of workers’ compensation.
You need a workers’ compensation attorney to cut through the red tape and fight for your rights. The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl have handled every type of comp claim in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, from Fall River and Foxborough to Providence and Newport. They will aggressively pursue justice for you and your family while treating you with the compassion you need and deserve. Put your mind at ease by putting your case in the hands of experienced professionals. Contact them today for a free case consultation.