The Occupational Health & Safety laws in every Canadian jurisdiction require employers to protect workers from exposure to excessive noise in the workplace. The North is no different from the rest of Canada. The Northwest Territories and Nunavut have workplaces with excessive noise, which can be deafening.

Why protect workers? Long-term exposure to excessive noise can cause a whole host of hearing problems, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss. To make matters worse, many workers don't realize they're suffering from hearing loss because the symptoms are generally painless and develop gradually. By the time they do notice what's happening to them, it may be too late - damage is irreversible. It's important to take steps to protect workers from exposure to excessive noise before hearing loss occurs.

The second best reason to control noise hazards is that the Occupational Health & Safety laws require employers to take specific steps to control workers' exposure to excessive noise levels.

Unfortunately, noise-induced hearing loss is the most prevalent irreversible occupational hazard. It is also one of the most expensive. The impact is not only felt in dollars and cents; it also affects personal and professional lives. The worker has difficulty hearing what people say; without good communication, messages get misinterpreted and can lead to problems at home and on the job. The worker can put themselves and others at risk.

Be aware of how to protect workers. The basic steps are:

• Measure noise levels in the workplace;
• Implement noise control measures
• Provide the appropriate PPE; and
• Educate and train workers.

For further information, contact us!