The role of the employer in Occupational Noise Exposure

Work-related stress is experienced when the demands of the work environment exceed the employee’s ability to manage them. Stress can result from various risk factors including workplace hazards like dangerous machinery or loud noise, and the work environment itself such as poor lighting, ventilation, noise. Some noise may have a tonal quality, which can increase stress for individuals.

A noisy workplace increases the risk of accidents in two ways. Firstly, high noise levels can make it difficult to hear danger signals and warnings. Secondly, noise affects attention and concentration, which could lead to slower reflexes, reduced information processing and riskier behaviors. This lack of awareness increases the chances of accidents. Exposure to high noise levels (without proper hearing protection), continuously or in single bursts, from work equipment can have multiple physiological and psychological effects on workers’ health and safety, including stress, tinnitus (ringing/buzzing in the ears) and even permanent hearing loss.

Employers in industries that work with loud or excessive noise or above a lower exposure action value (85 dB (A)) are liable to ensure that a risk assessment is carried out in consultation with employees and their representatives. The risk assessment must be updated regularly or when there are any changes in the noise levels of the work environment1.

The control of noise exposure at work requires employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work. OSHA mandates employers to be part of a hearing conservation program if employees are exposed to extended noise levels above 85 dB (A) averaged over 8 working hours.

The regulations require that the employer perform the following tasks²:

• Assess the risks posed to employees by occupational noise exposure.
• Eliminate noise at its source, or if that’s not feasible, reduce it to the lowest possible level, such as updating equipment, vehicles, or processes.
• Provide your employees with hearing protection if you cannot reduce the noise enough;
• Ensure that the noise does not exceed the legal limits of 85 dB (A) over an 8 hour weighted average work period;
• Provide employees with comprehensive training and information on the importance of hearing conservation;
• Implement health surveillance programs for employees exposed to high noise levels.

Exemptions²:

• The general public exposed to non-work-related noise, or individuals who choose to go to noisy places.
• Low-level noise that causes annoyance, but doesn’t pose a risk to hearing health.

How to ensure that your employees are protected from noise:

• Identify the causes of excessive noise and reduce it through proper programs.
• Provide audiometric testing and hearing checks to assess the effects of noise on employees.
• Offer customized hearing protection to employees exposed to high levels of noise.
• Establish hearing protection zones where hearing protection is mandatory.
• Ensure noise does not exceed 85 dB for daily or weekly exposure, factoring in the use of hearing protection devices.
• Maintain and monitor protective equipment, and provide clear hearing health information to ensure compliance.
• Display visible signs that indicate areas where noise exceeds safe levels, warning of potential hearing loss if protection is not used.

Informing employees

Employers must inform employees of the following:

• Noise evaluation results and the associated risks to hearing,
• Baseline audiograms from entry-level hearing assessments,
• Results of audiometric test results,
• Hearing protection measures and their significance
• Health checks available to employees,
• Any effects on employees safety and health resulting from any interactions between noise and work-related ototoxic substances, and between noise and vibrations;
• New equipment that helps to reduce noise exposure,
• Workplace layouts designed to minimize noise using sound-absorbing materials,
• Feedback opportunities for employees to contribute ideas for a safer environment.

Risk assessment considerations¹:

When an employer is carrying out a risk assessment the regulations require that they take reasonable steps to ensure that the assessment meets the requirements of the regulations, even if the assessment is being carried out by persons outside the company. When conducting risk assessments, employers must:

• Account for the level, type, and duration of noise exposure,
• Consider variations in the work routine and identify immediate risks.
• Implement the best possible noise control measures.
• Make alternative noise-reducing equipment available when necessary.
• Ensure the availability of suitable hearing protection devices for employees.

Why workplace noise regulation matters:

The aim of workplace noise regulation is to protect employees from hearing loss. Employers must seek solutions to control noise where it presents a risk. If noise levels are below action thresholds, simple and cost-effective measures are typically sufficient. However, when exposure is above action values, a detailed noise control program must be implemented³.

Last updated: 18 August 2025.