October marked National Protect Your Hearing Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of protecting your ears and preventing hearing loss. As the month comes to a close, remember it’s never a bad time to focus on hearing health. Occupational hearing loss is permanent and almost always preventable, and yet it remains one of the leading work-related illnesses.
Hierarchy of Controls
The hierarchy of controls identifies the most effective order of action to best avoid hazardous exposures in the workplace. The preferred order of action is:
- Elimination: Remove the hazard completely.
- Substitution: Use a safer alternative to the potential hazard.
- Engineering Controls: Create space between the hazard and employees. Modify the workspace or equipment by using barriers, ventilation and more.
- Administrative Controls: Establish procedures that reduce the duration, frequency or intensity of hazard exposure.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide proper PPE and train employees on use to minimize exposure. This includes gloves, hats, hearing protection and more.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Exposure to loud noise over time can damage the inner ear and lead to hearing loss. This risk is present in all industries, especially those such as mining, manufacturing and construction. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of employers to create safe working conditions. The hierarchy of controls should always be applied, especially when the recommended exposure limit (REL) of 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA) averaged over an eight-hour workday is met or exceeded. If you work in a noisy environment, the following steps can also help prevent hearing loss:
- Take a break from noisy activity and reduce your time in loud areas.
- Listen to the radio or personal devices on low volume.
- Always wear hearing protection in noisy areas and follow manufacturer instructions.
Chemical-Related Hearing Loss
Exposure to certain chemicals or “ototoxicants” can also cause damage and contribute to hearing loss, including making ears even more sensitive to noise. Workers can be exposed to these chemicals by breathing them in, consuming contaminated food or drinks and even absorbing them through the skin. Common ototoxic chemicals include:
- Solvents: Solvents such as toluene, xylene and benzene.
- Heavy Metals: Metals such as lead and mercury compounds.
- Medications: Certain pharmaceutical antineoplastic drugs.
- Asphyxiants: Carbon monoxide and tobacco smoke.
- Pesticides: Chemicals used to spray plants.
Reach Out to an Advisor
Our risk control advisors can help you identify potential risks and hazards and develop effective strategies to protect your employees on the job. Contact us to learn more.