Noise Exposure in Construction Industry
From powerful tools to heavy machinery, workers in the construction industry encounter many loud noises throughout their day at a busy worksite. This can put them at an increased risk of noise exposure injuries.
For construction industry workers, two of the most common types of noise-related injuries are:
- Noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL, is a type of occupational noise injury. It occurs when workers suffer from prolonged exposure to loud noises, and affects the hair cells within the inner ear. NIHL often leads to pronounced hearing loss.
- Tinnitus. Tinnitus is a condition that causes buzzing, ringing, and other noises in the ear. In some cases, tinnitus is temporary, but it can also be a chronic condition, especially for workers in loud industries like construction.
Along with hearing loss and tinnitus, loud construction sites can also contribute to issues such as:
- Noise-related stress. When construction workers are frequently exposed to loud noises, it can lead to health issues like sleep disorders and an increased risk of mental health issues like anxiety or depression
- Cardiovascular problems. Cardiovascular complications are sometimes associated with frequent or prolonged exposure to loud noises. For example, construction workers with loud worksites might be at an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
- Workplace accidents. If construction workers have trouble hearing at work, either due to loud environments or health issues like NIHL, it increases the risk of other accidents and injuries. For instance, if a worker is unable to properly communicate due to a loud environment, they might not be able to warn another worker about a slip-and-fall risk at the worksite.
Hearing Protection for Construction Industry Businesses
If you’re a business owner in the construction industry, you should be aware of the risks of loud construction sites and other environments. To protect your workers from conditions like tinnitus and hearing loss, you might also consider:
- Providing workers with hearing protection equipment, like earplugs
- Training employees on noise safety, including how to properly handle loud equipment
- Conducting regular noise level assessments
- Designing worksites to minimize the risk of noise exposure
You should also offer robust Construction Workers’ Compensation coverage to protect your employees and your business from noise exposure and other common risks in the construction industry?
If you’re not sure how to find the best coverage and safety solutions, we can help! At Work Comp Business Insurance Solutions, we help business owners find the best Workers’ Compensation and payroll solutions.To learn more about our services and how we can help your business, visit us online at https://www.wcbis.com.
