Noise and Hearing Conservation at Workplace Training

Noise and hearing conservation at the workplace is probably one of the most overlooked safety issues at the workplace. Noise refers to any unwanted or excessive sound that can be harmful or disruptive to human beings.

It is often characterized by its loudness, intensity, and unpleasant quality. Having said that, noise can come from various sources, including industrial machinery, construction sites, transportation, music, and everyday activities.

Due to this, the authority has passed laws related to exposure to noise at the workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019, which aim to protect workers in Malaysia from excessive noise exposure that may lead to hearing loss and related health issues. The regulations outline requirements and guidelines for employers to manage and control workplace noise levels.

On top of that, the Industry Code of Practice (ICOP) for Management of Occupational Noise Exposure and Hearing Conservation 2019 is a guidance document that provides employers, employees, and occupational safety and health (OSH) practitioners with information on how to identify excessive noise, assess the risk, and implement control measures to reduce noise exposure at the workplace.

Meanwhile, hearing conservation is a set of practices and strategies aimed at preventing hearing loss and preserving hearing health. It involves taking measures to reduce exposure to excessive noise and promoting awareness about the risks associated with noise-induced hearing damage.

Ultimately, the goal of hearing conservation is to prevent or minimize noise-induced hearing loss, which can be permanent and irreversible. Consequently, prolonged or repeated exposure to high levels of noise can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear, leading to hearing impairment, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and other auditory problems.

Training Contents

The training should cover, but not be limited to, the topics below:

• Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations
  2019,

• Introduction of Noise Hazard at the Workplace,

• Anatomy and Physiology of Ear,

• Hearing Mechanism and its Effects

• Hearing Conservation Program Management,

• Audiometry Program at the Workplace,

• Hearing Protection.