Noise at Workplace

Noise at Workplace

Noise is the physical phenomenon of the air vibrations that create unwelcome sound. Harmful noise is defined as noise at higher level values than permitted in the regulations and which may cause damage to the health of workers exposed at the workplace. The business owners have a responsibility to perform environmental occupational tests of continuous as well as accidental noise levels, to carry out the mapping of noise levels, to advise the various work stations of the occupational environmental test results of the ongoing continuous as well as accidental noise levels, and to conduct an ongoing tracking log. 

If noise levels higher than the maximum permissible exposure were detected, the business owner should take appropriate measures, such as the use of technical-engineering means, reducing the length of stay of workers in the higher level noise environment, apply insulation in areas of the workplace where noise levels are high, supply of suitable ear protectors, setting permanent and conspicuous signs of warning against harmful noise and indicating the obligation to carry out periodic medical examinations. 

In addition to these, the business owner is required to train the employees on the subject of noise, and provide them with information regarding the risks inherent to excessive noise and safety instructions according to which they must act in order to avoid damage from harmful noise. 

Harmful noise is extremely common in industrial plants, and is a major cause of injury to workers. We are very familiar with the legal exposure arising and, if necessary, we can help you with legal advice in this matter.