Reduce The Risk Of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) And Economic Loss.
Did you know that hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses in the Australia?
In this article, we will discuss how audiometric assessments help businesses reduce risk and improve productivity.
Noise is an Economic Risk for the business
Part of your WHS Strategy
Additional Benefits of Audiometric Testing
Noise is an Economic Risk.
Noise can not only cause deafness, but it may also lead to increased absenteeism, employee turnover, lowered work performance, and even accidents.
To put it simply, for businesses and organisations Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) can result in substantial economic loss.
That’s why it’s important for organisations to conduct frequent audiometric assessments of their workers.
Consider this:
- From a regulatory perspective, all workers that are exposed to noise levels at or above 85 dB(A) are at risk of damaging their hearing or developing noise induced hearing loss (NIHL)
- Exposure to noise for prolonged periods can result in hair cell damage and permanent sensory hearing loss
- Short extreme noise exposures can also produce permanent hearing loss known as acoustic trauma
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) could be a sign that damage has occurred to the hair cells in the cochlear
- Hearing Protection Equipment (HPE) is only an option to reduce workers exposure, when workers are trained in the proper use, are fit tested and the wearing of HPE is enforced.
- In 2014 the government introduced legislation, requiring companies to provide audiometric testing at least every 2 years to all employees who are exposed to 85dB or above over an 8-hour period. The procedures for the testing and the reporting of the testing are covered under AS/NZS 1269.4.
- Safework Australia estimated (1) that 1 million employees in Australia may be potentially exposed to hazardous levels of noise at work (in the absence of hearing protection)
Hearing Tests as Part of your WHS Strategy.
Audiometric assessments – or Hearing Tests – are an important part of a comprehensive Workplace Health & Safety Strategies in many industries because they can help identify workers who are at risk for hearing loss.
These workforce audits, together with a workplace noise assessment, also help businesses develop strategies to protect their employees from noise-related hazards. For example, if a business knows that one of its employees is particularly susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss, it can take steps to reduce the employee’s exposure to noise by optimising the workplace or offering appropriate Hearing Protection Equipment (HPE).
Furthermore, if conducted on an annual or bi-annual basis, occupational hearing tests are a great way to identify trends by comparing current results against previous hearing tests that are on file.
Additional Benefits of Audiometric Testing.
The benefits of audiometric assessments don’t stop there. These tests can also help businesses improve their bottom line by reducing the costs associated with hearing loss. Businesses and organisations that conduct audiometric assessments of their employees are less likely to experience absenteeism and lost productivity due to hearing loss. Additionally, businesses that offer these tests may be able to reduce their workers’ compensation costs.
We hope this article has been helpful in explaining the importance of audiometric assessments. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to discuss this topic with you further.
(1) https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/system/files/documents/1702/workrelated_noise_induced_hearing.pdf