Exposure to high levels of noise for long periods of time can damage your hearing.This is something you should take
into consideration if your working environment is a noisy one. There are many different industries in which workers are exsposed to loud noise, such as construction, demolition, engineering , textile manufacturing and bar work (to name a few). So ask yourself, do you have to raise your voice to speak whilst you’re at work or do you use a noisy power tool? Answeing yes to questions like these could mean that you are putting your hearing at risk.
Employers are supposed to follow guidelines from the government which regulate employees contact with high levels of noise, such as carrying our health surveillance where there may be a risk to health, or providing employees with ear protection. High noise exposure is classified by the Government as daily or weekly exposure of 85dB, a power drill can reach this level of noise. Working with this level of noise for long periods of time could eventually lead to hearing problems such as tinnitus (constant ringing or whistling in the ears), or even some hearing loss. If you’re worried about the level of noise at your work have a look at the government’s guidelines on ‘Noise at Work’ http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg362.pdf
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