WORKSAFE WA has announced an inspection campaign on noise in workplaces throughout May 2010.
According to WorkSafe WA, the inspection campaign comes in recognition of International Noise Awareness Day.
The workplace safety authority says noise has been a recognised as a workplace hazard for some time, but remains a problem in many WA workplaces. It was responsible for 81 worker’s compensation claims in 2007-08.
Safe Work Australia’s 2009 National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance (NHEWS) Survey, 2008 Results, found 32% of Australian workers surveyed reported that they worked in an environment where they were exposed to loud noise.
The health effects of exposure to excessive noise are often not felt until much later, making it crucial to manage noise proactively. Hazardous noise can cause noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus and can contribute to stress.
WorkSafe WA says the inspection campaign will aim to increase awareness of the hazards and to ensure that appropriate control measures are in place, with an emphasis on controlling noise at its source where practicable.
If this is not possible, employers should limit individuals’ exposure to noisy areas and provide personal hearing protectors.
Inspectors who visit workplaces for any reason will also be assessing whether hazardous noise is present and, if it is, they may run through a checklist based around identification, assessment and control of noise.