The dangers of noise in the workplace - main facts.

Sheets include:

1) how noise affects your hearing

Value your hearing
Noise in new zealand workplaces
How does noise harm the ear?
How does inner ear damage affect hearing?
Are you at risk?

2) how can hearing damage be avoided?

Quietening the source of noise.
Stopping the noise from reaching people.
Reducing the time people are exposed.
Wearing personal hearing protection when necessary.
Control noise exposures outside work
Are there any simple ways to judge if a noise is likely to be harmful?

3) responsibilities of employers and employees

Checklist for employers
Checklist for employees

4) how managers and workers can reduce noise

Managers can contribute by:
Workers can contribute by:

5) fitting personal hearing protection

Earplugs
To fit the plugs
If the plug is a compressible foam type
Points to remember
Looking after your hearing protectors
Getting used to wearing hearing protectors
Fitting earmuffs

6) facts about hearing protection

Is there any danger in putting earplugs in your ears?
What if I don't wear hearing protectors all the time?
My hearing protectors feel uncomfortable
If I wear hearing protectors, I won't be able to hear my machine properly
Is there any point in wearing hearing protectors if your hearing is impaired already?
I won't be able to hear what people are saying if I wear hearing protectors
What about noise exposures outside work?