Occupational Health and Safety NOISE HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE Presented by: Erin, Lxxx, Lxxx, Rxxxxxx, Pxxxxx

NOISE HAZARDS2 Overview Background What is noise? Mechanics of hearing and types of hearing loss Identify Assessing the problem Legal considerations Control in the workplace HR Challenges Case Studies: Canadian National and Husky Injection Final Thought

NOISE HAZARDS3 Background As long as humans have had ears, they have had hearing loss Noise became an issue in the workplace with the onset of the Industrial Revolution Over 1,000,000 workers in Canada are exposed to noise in the workplace Noise-induced hearing loss is the most prevalent, irreversible occupational hazard

NOISE HAZARDS4 Background (cont.) Ontario legislation for noise found in Industrial Establishments Section 139 Federal regulations set out in Canada Labour Code In 2000, WSIB paid out almost $20M in noise- related claims 26% more than previous two years Noise is a growing concern in the workforce

NOISE HAZARDS5 Noise Noise is a physical agent. This means that it has physical energy resulting from the vibration of an object and the subsequent movement of air molecules. Noise is ambient.

NOISE HAZARDS6 Noise vs. Sound Sound is what we hear. Noise is unwanted sound. Ex. Rock music can be pleasurable to some, annoying to others. In either case, it can be hazardous to a person’s hearing if the sound is loud, and if the listener is exposed long and often enough.

NOISE HAZARDS7 How We Hear Outer Eardrum (middle ear) Cochlea (inner ear)

NOISE HAZARDS8 Types of Noise Continuous: noise heard constantly throughout the shift Intermittent: noise heard off and on throughout the shift Impulse/Impact: a sudden, loud burst of noise of very short duration

NOISE HAZARDS9 Assess The first step in assessing noise exposure in the workplace is to conduct a noise survey. Things to consider: Purpose of measurement (compliance with noise regulations, hearing loss prevention, etc.) Noise patterns (where they occur in the workplace, and how often) Locations of people who are exposed to the hazard

NOISE HAZARDS10 Exposure Limits in Ontario, Reg. 851; S.139(5)(b) Column 1Column 2 Sound level – in dBDuration – for 24h day ver or less No exposure

NOISE HAZARDS11

NOISE HAZARDS12 Control At the source: Engineering controls Designing quieter machines Modifying existing equipment Isolating vibrating parts within a machine Add sound-absorbing materials or mufflers Vibration padding

NOISE HAZARDS13 Control Along the path: Separate worker from noise source Redesign floor plan of work area Keep rest areas, lunch rooms, etc. away from noise source Erect sound barriers Use sound-absorptive materials Acoustic tiles

NOISE HAZARDS14 Control At the worker: Job rotation Conduct noisy operations during non-working hours Personal protective equipment Earplugs, earmuffs Least costly method Most commonly used However, not always the most effective!

NOISE HAZARDS15 HR Challenges Control at the source is generally the most expensive Involves heavy capital investment in new equipment and machinery redesign HR must convince executives that this is a necessary expense using a cost-benefit analysis Noise-based illness, absenteeism, worker’s compensation costs

NOISE HAZARDS16 HR Challenges (cont.) Required workplace training on noise hazards Work alongside JHSC Evaluate effectiveness of programs Monitor noise hazards in the workplace Record-keeping and scheduling of noise and hearing tests Maintain records for WSIB claims in case of injury

NOISE HAZARDS17 Noise Abatement Programs Should include: Trained program coordinator Worker involvement (JHSC or worker rep) Noise hazard information available to JHSC Noise surveys Engineering program with dates, progress checks and reduction priorities Maintenance program monitored by JHSC Worker training and education Annual review/evaluation of program Success of program depends on worker and management participation

NOISE HAZARDS18 Example Canadian National (CN) CN has been aware of noise hazards for at least 20 years 1991 → CN Hearing Conservation Program 4 elements: 1) Sound level measurements Identify (where noise may pose a hazard) and quantify exposure 2) Results: Sound level indicate (8 hours average exposure) exceed 87 dBA  the additional elements of their hearing conservation program are implemented.

NOISE HAZARDS19 Husky Injection Molding Systems Limited Manufacturer of molding machines and robotics Over past several years, have been reducing the sound pressure levels of their machines Acoustic Dampening All products have this as a standard feature Caps noise output at 70 dB

NOISE HAZARDS20 A Final Thought “Noise control should include measures to limit the noise at the source, to control the sound transmission path, to protect the receiver’s site, to plan land use, and to raise public awareness. With careful planning, exposure to noise can be avoided or reduced.” - World Health Organization, 1998

NOISE HAZARDS21 References National Safety Council, Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene. Barbara A. Plog Editor, Third Edition, 1988, 915 pages. Montgomery, J.; Kelloway. K. Management of Occupational Health and Safety. NELSON, series in Human Resources Management, NELSON Thomson Learning, Second Edition, 2002, 281 pages. Pocket Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulation. Consolidated edition, Carswell a Thomson company, 2002, 773 pages. Armstrong, Jim. Sound advice: sensible solutions for noise and hearing loss. Canadian Occupational Safety, v.35 (4) J1/ Ag’97, p Pathak-Bhawani. Tackling noise: are you workers slowly developing noise-induced hearing loss? Occupational Health & Safety, v.14(6) O/N’98, p Workplace Health and Safety Agency. Health & Safety in your Workplace. Produced by the Communications Department of the Workplace Health and Safety Agency, Toronto, 1994.