It’s important that all of your senses are protected in the workplace, and hearing is often something that’s neglected. Most working environments have some form of noise going on, but factories and production facilities tend to be relatively loud.
Severe hearing damage can be difficult to repair, so it’s better to employ preventative measures. Outlined below are a few ways that the risks of hearing damage can be prevented at work.
Maintaining machinery
Modern machinery is a lot more efficient than it used to be. It tends to be less noisy as well. Companies can be reluctant to put down the initial investment in buying new machinery, but it can actually be cost-effective and healthier for staff in the long run.
Utilize effective PPE
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is arguably the most important aspect of safety in the workplace. Ear muffs and ear plugs can stifle a lot of the noise from machinery, which means workers are less vulnerable to injury. Many workers purchase their own PPE but they really shouldn’t have to. Companies should offer the PPE necessary to keep employees safe at all times.
Rotated shift patterns
Hearing damage often results from long-term exposure to noise. If shift patterns can be rotated so that no one person is exposed to noise for too long, then this can reduce the risks of hearing damage.
If you have been injured while carrying out your work activities, then you could be entitled to some compensation for your suffering. Seeking legal guidance on the matter will provide a clearer picture of your options.