Loud noise in the workplace can make it difficult to concentrate, increase stress, and reduce productivity among workers. While short-term exposure to certain levels of loud noises at work can cause temporary changes in hearing, long-term exposure to incredibly high levels of noise can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Construction workers are some of the most susceptible to work-related hearing loss due to various risks, including:
- Jackhammers drilling into the ground
- Bulldozers
- Demolitions
- Explosions
- Electrical saws
- Dump trucks
GRADUAL VS. IMMEDIATE HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss can have a tremendous impact on worker health, safety, and well-being. It’s important to note that not all hearing loss occurs immediately during a sudden incident of loud noise. Oftentimes, it occurs gradually over the course of a long period of high noise exposure.
The average construction site has a noise level between 80-90 decibels (dBA). However, certain heavy machinery, such as forklifts or hammer drills, can reach 90-120 dBA.To give context to this, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) sets a boundary of 85 dBA as the recommended occupational exposure limit. Anything higher than this limit has the potential to cause gradual hearing loss.
PREVENTING HEAR LOSS ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE
In many cases, the risk of hearing loss on construction sites can be reduced when both workers and employers take the necessary safety precautions. This may include:
- Providing the proper training to employees
- Always wearing the proper hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs
- Establishing safe distances between workers and the sources of loud noises
- Knowing the warning signs of early hearing damage
HELPING YOU PURSUE BENEFITS FOR HEARING LOSS
If you suffered from hearing loss due to your job as a construction worker, you may be entitled to pursue workers’ compensation benefits if you are a full-fledged employee. At Justice Injury Law, our compassionate workers’ compensation attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of injured construction workers in Louisville and across Kentucky.
We are prepared to review your case for free, lay out your legal options, and gather the evidence needed to develop a solid case on your behalf.
Contact our firm at 502-584-5455 to speak with our team at your earliest convenience.