Hearing is a must!

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational illnesses and costs millions of dollars every year. The targeted use of appropriate hearing protection protects the sense of hearing from damage.

Legal basis:

In accordance with the OHSA on noise, employers are obliged to provide appropriate hearing protection for assessed noise levels of 85 dB (A) and above. Employees must use the ear protection provided by the employer. Areas with noise levels of 85 dB (A) or above must be identified as hearing protection zones. Use of ear protection is mandatory in these areas.

Maximum weekly noise exposure during work and leisure

• Up to 20 dB (A): auditory threshold
• 20–50 dB (A): comfortable
• 50–75 dB (A): harmless
• 80 dB (A): lower trigger value for 8-hour work day
• 85 dB (A): upper trigger value for 8-hour work day Hearing protection must be worn! Work areas must be marked as hearing protection zones
• From 100 dB (A): extremely loud! Short stays can lead to hearing loss and ringing in the ears
• From 160 dB (A): immediate physical damage

Ear protection worn consistently can prevent noise-related damage to the sense of hearing. Hearing protection must be worn during the entire time the noise is present. An increase in the noise level by 3 dB doubles the sound intensity.

Example: 20 hours' work with a noise level of 88 dB (A) will cause the same harmful effects as 10 hours' work with a noise level of 91 dB (A)!