The study from Aarhus University Hospital, shows that rules and legislation on noise control in Denmark has been successful. Among other results, the study shows that the use of hearing protection at noisy workplaces has worked.

The employees that are most exposed to noise are better at using hearing protection now than earlier, and on top of that, the workplaces have managed to reduce noise levels. This means that workplace noise levels are lower now than ever before.

Legislation

If noise levels reach 85 dB(A) you are required by law to use hearing protection. This means that it is necessary to be aware of noise levels, and of when hearing protection is required. One way of achieving this is by measuring noise levels at the workplace with a SoundEar, which measures, analyses and localizes noise. This way, it is possible to prevent hearing damage with employees in multiple sectors.

Measures must be taken to reduce noise, and localize noise, so that it is not harmful to work in a noisy environment.

Noise prevention initiatives worked

The study by Aarhus University Hospital concludes, that noise prevention initiatives have worked. The research focused on employees, who work on a daily basis in a noisy work environment. Noise levels have dropped in 10 out of the 11 studied sectors. Some of the studied employees include kindergarten teachers, demolition workers and employees in the industrial sector.

The study shows that in 2001 70% of the employees used hearing protection, and in 2010 the number had increased to 76%. Furthermore, noise levels in the 11 studied sectors has diminished, ensuring a better work environment for employees.

If you need tips on lowering noise levels at your workplace, look at our infographic, that illustrates how to adapt the workspace to ensure a better work environment and a lower noise level.

Links (in Danish):
Mit arbejdsmiljø
Arbejdstilsynet

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Your ear can stand a maximum of 85 decibel as an average noise level over a day, before it is damaged by the noise. Anything above 85 decibels can damage your hearing. Normal conversation is typically situated in the 60-70 decibel range. Decibel is also known as dB or dB(A).

What is dB(A)?

dB(A) is the measurement unit for sound, which is called decibel. The (A) means that there is applied an A-weighted filter, meaning that it approximates the sound, that a human can hear. Thus, the measurement unit, that approximates the human hearing, is called dB(A).

If you are exposed to high noise levels during the day, the amount of time you spend in noisy environments needs to be shortened.

Noise at work

There are legal restrictions that regulate the allowed noise level exposure in work settings. The maximum noise level is 85 dB(A). All companies in the European Union must comply with the maximum noise level exposure of 85 dB(A). Un-necessary noise should be reduced, so that the ear is not exposed to unhealthy levels of noise. If you are exposed to noise levels above 80 dB(A) at work, you should wear hearing protection, which your employer must make available for you. Furthermore, your employer should inform you of the risks involved with noise exposure. Learn more about the European legislation here.

This is how long you can stay in a noisy environment (with hearing protection on)

• 8 hours in 85 dB
• 4 hours in 88 dB
• 2 hours in 91 dB
• 1 hour in 94 dB
• 30 minutes in 97 dB
• 15 minutes in 100 dB

If you are exposed to such high levels of noise as stated above, you should not be exposed to any noise the rest of your workday. For instance, if you are exposed to 88 dB for 4 hours, the rest of your workday should be spent without any noise exposure.

Source: Arbejdsmiljøforskning.dk (in Danish)

See the noise barometer to get an idea of the noise levels, your ears are exposed to in different situations.

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