Too Loud on the Job?

At a recent Saints football game in the Superdome, crowd noise reached a decibel level of 128 dBA. In addition to impacting the players on the field, the noise reverberated the ceiling enough that pieces fell off.

While you may not work in the Superdome or encounter a crowd that size at your worksite, other potential noise hazards exist on the job. Check out some of these jobs and the levels of noise they endure.

• Iron Workers – 91.1 decibels
• Carpenters – 89.3 decibels
• Laborers – 89.1 decibels
• Electricians – 86.7 decibels

Sounds at 85 dBA or higher can cause hearing loss. The higher the decibel level, the less amount of time you should be exposed to it. Permanent hearing loss can never be repaired. Take precautions whenever possible.

Try these steps to protect your hearing:

1. Limit noise exposure
2. Wear a hearing protection device
3. Have on-site safety oversight
4. Schedule regular hearing tests

Make sure to protect your ears while working so you can enjoy football games and other events in your life each day.