Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Seriously? What about people who work in clubs? Or at monster truck rallies? Or concerts? Or noisy factories? Lots of people work in loud environments.
Yes, and OSHA requires hearing protection for those individuals who work in an environment with a decibel level above normal. I'll look up what threshold is.
Got it. 85 db or more is in violation.
But there are a number of businesses that could be in violation of OSHA that you wouldn't even think of, such as restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Click here to learn more.
OSHA noise standards consist of a two-stage program:
A hearing conservation program must be implemented when employees are exposed to 85 dB or more in an
8-hour day. These programs include annual audiometric testing and require hearing protection devices, such as earplugs.
Engineering or administrative noise controls are required when exposure exceeds 90 dB. Engineering controls include redesigning the space to reduce machinery noise, replacing machinery with quieter equipment, enclosing the noise source or enclosing the noise receiver. Administrative controls include mandating the length of time an employee can be exposed to a particular noise source.
Failing to address OSHA regulations can be a pricey mistake. Total penalties for OSHA violations in 2002 exceeded $72.8 million! Business owners that willingly violate OSHA regulations, including those relating to noise, can be penalized between $5,000 and $70,000. If a previous violation is not addressed and corrected, civil penalties up to $7,000 a day can be enforced. Even if the violation isn't life threatening, but still has the potential to impact job safety and health, the business can be penalized up to $7,000. Keep in mind, OSHA representatives can stop by to conduct noise readings at any given time.