Noise exposure is a significant concern on Michigan construction sites, where loud machinery and tools can pose a risk to workers' hearing health. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) provides specific regulations under the Noise and Hearing Conservation guidelines to protect workers from the harmful effects of noise. For Michigan builders, understanding and implementing these guidelines is critical to maintaining safety and avoiding penalties. This blog summarizes the key sections of MIOSHA’s Noise and Hearing Conservation Fact Sheet.
What is Noise and How Can It Harm Workers?
Noise is defined as unwanted sound created by vibrating objects, such as machines or tools, which causes the surrounding air to vibrate. This sound is measured in decibels (dB), and excessive noise can have harmful effects on workers' hearing over time. Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 80 dBA (decibels on the A-scale) can result in permanent hearing damage, which often goes unnoticed until the hearing loss becomes severe.
Harmful Effects of Noise Include:
- Gradual, irreversible hearing loss
- Difficulty in communication, leading to misunderstandings or missed alarms
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
- Increased stress, blood pressure, and fatigue
When Does Noise Become Harmful?
According to MIOSHA, noise exposure becomes harmful when it exceeds an average of 85 dBA over an 8-hour work period, which is known as the "action level." Chronic exposure to noise at this level can lead to hearing damage over time. Builders should be aware that an increase in noise by just 3 dBA effectively doubles the sound energy, making the workplace significantly louder and more hazardous.
For example:
- At 85 dBA, the action level is reached over an 8-hour shift.
- At 95 dBA, the action level is exceeded in just 2 hours, and the permissible noise exposure limit (90 dBA) is exceeded in 4 hours.
MIOSHA Part 380: Noise Exposure and Conservation Standards
To protect workers from excessive noise, MIOSHA's Part 380 Occupational Noise Exposure Standard lays out specific requirements that builders must follow, including:
- Noise Monitoring: Employers must conduct noise monitoring to assess if workers' exposure meets or exceeds the action level (85 dBA) or the permissible limit (90 dBA). This monitoring must be repeated when changes in machinery or processes could affect noise levels.
- Hearing Conservation Program: When noise exposure meets or exceeds the action level, employers are required to implement a comprehensive hearing conservation program, which includes:
- Audiometric Testing: Regular hearing tests (audiograms) to detect any changes in workers' hearing over time. Annual tests are compared to baseline audiograms to identify any standard threshold shifts (STS).
- Hearing Protectors: Employers must provide hearing protectors (earplugs, earmuffs) free of charge to employees exposed to noise levels exceeding the permissible limit or action level.
- Employee Training: Workers must be trained annually on the risks of noise exposure, proper selection and use of hearing protection, and the importance of audiometric testing.
- Recordkeeping: Employers are required to maintain records of noise exposure measurements, audiometric tests, and hearing protector effectiveness. These records must be accessible and preserved for future reference.
How Can Michigan Builders Protect Their Workers?
To comply with MIOSHA standards and safeguard workers from noise-related injuries, Michigan builders should prioritize the following actions:
- Conduct Regular Noise Monitoring: Ensure that noise exposure is regularly measured, especially when new machinery is introduced or production processes change.
- Provide Hearing Protection: Supply a variety of comfortable and effective hearing protection options and make sure workers are trained in their proper use.
- Implement a Hearing Conservation Program: Schedule annual audiometric tests for workers exposed to high noise levels, and take action if any hearing loss is detected.
- Educate Workers: Make noise safety training a regular part of your safety program. Workers should be aware of the dangers of noise exposure and know how to protect themselves.
Conclusion: Safeguarding Hearing on the Job
For Michigan builders, noise exposure is an unavoidable part of the job, but the risks to workers' hearing health can be minimized by following MIOSHA's Noise and Hearing Conservation guidelines. By monitoring noise levels, providing protective equipment, and conducting regular audiometric testing, builders can ensure a safer working environment for everyone involved.
For more detailed information on MIOSHA’s Noise and Hearing Conservation standards, visit the MIOSHA website.
