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Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) remains a problem in Australia despite a regulatory framework designed to minimise excessive exposure to loud noise. The prevention of ONIHL has been a priority for Safe Work Australia’s recent research and policy development activities.
Methods
In 2008 the National Hazard Exposure Worker Surveillance (NHEWS) survey asked 4500 Australian workers about hazards in their workplaces, including loud noise. Two years later another study, “Getting Heard”, examined the personal and organisational factors that influence the effective control of exposure to hazardous occupational noise. This study involved the surveying of 1100 workers and 1000 employers and face-to-face interviews with 50 employers and managers.
Results
Thirty-two percent of workers surveyed in the NHEWS study reported they were exposed to loud noise while at work. Workers in the Construction and Manufacturing industries were most likely to report exposure. Despite this prevalence of noise exposure, occupational noise and hearing loss were not major issues for many participants in the Getting Heard study. Even when there was an appreciation of the risk and an effort to reduce it, there were those who were not clear or confident about the solution. Several other barriers to effective control were found, including an over-reliance on personal protective equipment.
Discussion
An important implication of the findings of these studies for work health and safety policy is that this highly preventable problem will persist unless employers, managers and workers are given clear, concise, and readily available information and guidance. As part of the harmonisation of Australia’s work health and safety laws, Safe Work Australia has drafted regulations and codes of practice for occupational noise. These materials emphasise the need to eliminate the source of loud noise or, if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise the risk by engineering measures.