Did you know that just over 50% of construction workers are exposed to hazardous noise, 25% of noise-tested construction workers have a hearing impairment and 7% have tinnitus?
As part of their roles, construction workers are regularly exposed to loud noises, such as angle grinding, concrete pouring, and digging.
Failure to use adequate hearing protection can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus, which is when a person hears a ringing or buzzing sound that comes from inside the ears.
Another risk of high noise levels is a breakdown in communication between workers, which can result in an increased risk of accidents and injuries.
Employers are responsible for providing hearing protection and hearing protection zones if employees are exposed to noise levels of 85 dB. Employers must also carry out risk assessments and provide training to employees when noise levels exceed 80dB.
Ear Protection
Ear protection is crucial for workers operating in loud work environments. Luckily, there are many options available to protect ears, including:
- Earmuffs
- Earplugs
- Semi-insert canal caps
The PPE chosen must provide a suitable level of protection for the task at hand, and guidance must be provided on wearing the PPE correctly for maximum protection.
Innovation in hearing protection has come a long way in recent years, with products such as JSP's Sonis range providing a colour-coded set of ear defenders designed for varying noise levels. This range is also available in
Another innovative product is the JSP Sonic Comms headset which not only protects hearing, but also allows for seamless communication on site through a built-in headset which also allows the user to make phone calls, play music or listen to the radio.
Tips for Construction Workers
Take everyday care
- Wear adequate hearing protection - opt for industrial hearing protection over supermarket-bought earplugs
- If you have trouble keeping earplugs in your ears, opt for earplugs fitted to a headband or earmuffs/ear defenders
- Earmuffs protect the entire ear, unlike earplugs, which only protect the canal, when wearing them, make sure they fit over the entire ear
Do not stick anything inside your ear canal
- Sticking things too far into your ear canal can lead to a perforated eardrum, so avoid products that go too far into your ear canal
- Do not use cotton swabs and other similar devices - the life cycle of ear wax is that it should make its own way out of the ear without the use of cotton swabs
- If you do suffer from wax build-ups, have your ears examined and the wax professionally removed
Avoid loud environments where possible
- You don't have to be a digger operator to experience hearing loss; any loud environment can lead to hearing loss; airports, live music events, and football matches - protect your ears where possible and give your ears a rest as much as you can, you can do this by avoiding playing loud music wearing earphones on your commute
- Get your hearing tested every year - Specsavers and Boots offer free hearing tests alternatively get a free hearing test online with Boots or ReSound
