Industrial noise is one of the risks that can interfere with operations within the organization. Most of this form of noise comes from pulp and paper, metal, and even mining industries. Loud noise can interfere with communication within the company and even cause injuries and accidents within the workplace. Exposure to loud noise can even cause acoustic trauma and hearing impairment to employees. The loud noise not only affects the employees but also the individuals living around the company.
Some of the effects of noise pollution include:
- Hearing impairments. One of the common results of noise pollution is loss of hearing. Loss of hearing is irreversible in most cases.
- It can result in high blood pressure, heart disease, stress, and even insomnia.
Hereby are some of the ways which can help in industrial noise reduction.
- Add noise barriers. Noise barriers are useful in blocking the direct path of the sound waves from the cause of noise hence protecting both the employees and neighbors from noise exposure. They do not get rid of the noise but they help reduce the excess noise. The noise barriers enclose the cause of noise within sound-absorbing material like the mineral wool.
- Choosing less noisy equipment. In case the case of the construction industry choosing equipment which is likely to produce less noise is the ideal thing to do. The electronically powered machinery is more likely to generate less noise as compared to the diesel-driven machinery.
- Provide personal hearing protection to your employees. Protect your employees from excess noise by providing hearing protection gadgets. Examples of these gadgets include ear muffs, canal caps, and ear plugs. You should also consider the noise reduction rate of the various hearing protection devices. This will make it easier to select the best hearing that suits the employees in the workplace.
- Organize shifts for the employees. You need to schedule work for the employees to reduce the employee’s exposure to noise. Long working hours in a noisy environment can greatly interfere with their health. This will help reduce the negative effects associated with loud noise exposure.
- Installing noise–cancelling windows. Incoming sound waves from machines can be greatly reduced by mounting noise-canceling windows to the window grills. This form of technology uses sensors to signal incoming noise. It then plays a sound with a similar but reversed waveform. These inverted waves then counteract the incoming waves hence dispersing them before they come out through the windows. This appliance is for blocking any form of noise going out through the window.
There are many benefits associated with noise reduction. Some of these benefits include:
Enhancements to the efficiency of employees. When there is a conducive environment for the employees, they will be able to work comfortably hence increasing productivity.
Once the excessive noise is reduced from the work environment, Low blood pressure and loss of hearing among the employees will be greatly reduced.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, there are several ways of controlling industrial noise. The above clarifies some of the ways the employer can adopt to reduce excessive noise in the workplace. Loud noise has negative impacts on both the employees and the community neighboring the company. The employees should adopt the most suitable method that suits the particular business he or she is operating.
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