Noise poses a threat to your ability to hear clearly, and it can compromise your safety by affecting concentration or making it challenging to hear crucial sounds for safe work, such as instructions or warning signals.

Understanding hazardous noise:

• Noise, measured in decibels, becomes hazardous when it exceeds workplace exposure standards.
• Workplaces must ensure that workers are not exposed to noise surpassing the exposure standard, defined as LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) or an LC,peak of 140 dB(C), according to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.
• The Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work code of practice 2021 offers guidance on identifying hazardous noise, outlining responsibilities, and providing practical advice on ensuring worker safety.

Impacts of noise:

• Noise affects individuals differently, leading to issues like temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, distraction, fatigue, and cardiovascular disorders.
• Risks associated with hazardous noise include hearing loss, interference with speech and concentration, disturbed sleep, fatigue, aggression, reduced immune response, and acoustic shock.
• Other serious health effects encompass raised blood pressure, accelerated heart rate, stress-related concerns, and potential damage from ototoxic substances.

Managing risks: For workers:

• Take reasonable care for your health and safety and correctly use provided personal protective equipment.
• Be vigilant for signs of hearing risk, such as raising your voice in a noisy environment or experiencing impaired hearing and tinnitus.

For businesses:

• It is crucial to protect workers from exposure to hazardous noise.
• Follow the systematic process outlined in the Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work code of practice 2021, which involves identifying noise sources, assessing risks, considering audiometric tests, implementing control measures, and regularly reviewing them.