One significant risk for pallet, sawmill and wood production professionals is the persistent and high levels of noise, which can lead to hearing loss among workers and result in increased workers’ compensation claims.
Noise is classified as hazardous depending on the intensity, duration and frequency of a person’s exposure to the sound.
Approximately 22 million workers in the United States were exposed to dangerous noise levels at their jobs in 2023, with nearly one-eighth of the working population experiencing hearing issues. Alarmingly, a significant portion of these hearing problems – about one-quarter – are directly linked to occupational noise exposure. Therefore, implementing a hearing conservation program in the workplace is essential.
To protect workers’ hearing, it’s best that workers are not exposed to noise exceeding 85 decibels over an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA). For context, the sound produced by a planer machine in a sawmill can reach 115 decibels, while other heavy machinery commonly used in sawmills can generate noise levels of 110 decibels, and chainsaws can reach up to 125 decibels.
In wood production, other equipment also produces dangerous noise levels: pallet nailing lines can emit 85-90 decibels, pallet dismantlers – 90 decibels, sanders – 97 decibels, and double-end tenoners can generate sound levels as high as 107 decibels – all of which are capable of causing irreversible hearing damage if workers are exposed to them for prolonged periods.
Beyond hearing loss, prolonged exposure to high noise levels can also contribute to reduced productivity, workplace accidents, and physical and psychological stress, and lead to permanent tinnitus, ringing or buzzing in the ears when no sound is present.
Protecting Workers from Occupational Hearing Loss
Companies must regularly review and update their policies to ensure they align with the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
To effectively prevent hearing loss in the workplace, particularly in molding operations, sawmills, and wood manufacturing facilities, it’s essential to go beyond just providing earplugs. A comprehensive hearing conservation program should include the following key components:
Understand the hierarchy of controls for noise hazards. The hierarchy of controls categorizes preventive measures based on their effectiveness in minimizing or eliminating hazards. In many cases, a combination of these actions may be necessary. The most effective approach is to completely remove the noise source, followed by replacing noisy equipment or tools with quieter alternatives whenever possible. Making physical changes to the equipment or work environment to either eliminate the hazard or create a barrier between the worker and the hazard is another effective option.
Regular employee training. Training employees on the risks of noise exposure and the importance of hearing protection is crucial. This training should cover the necessity of annual audiometric testing, the different types of hearing protection available, and instructions on how to select, use, and care for these devices. Employers should also ensure that OSHA regulations regarding occupational noise exposure are accessible to all workers.
Continuous noise monitoring. If noise levels in the workplace exceed acceptable limits, employers should implement feasible engineering, administrative and work-practice controls to minimize exposure. Should these measures prove insufficient, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided to affected employees.
Annual audiometric testing. Audiometry is a critical, non-invasive method for assessing hearing loss. All employees exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 decibels over an eight-hour TWA should undergo annual testing conducted by a licensed or certified specialist. A baseline audiogram must be performed within six months of an employee’s initial exposure to hazardous noise levels.
Comprehensive documentation. Accurate and thorough documentation is vital for an effective hearing conservation program. This includes recording employee exposure levels, audiometric test results, and relevant details such as employee names, job classifications, test dates, and the names of the examiners. Additionally, sound level meter and dosimeter calibration records should be maintained. Employers are required to keep noise exposure measurements for at least two years and audiometric test records for the duration of the employee’s tenure with the organization.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise in the workplace poses a serious threat to workers’ hearing, particularly in high-noise environments including sawmills and wood processing facilities. By implementing a comprehensive hearing conservation program and establishing a few best practices, employers within these industries can ensure their workers are both protected and productive.
Editor’s Note: Emily Lubman is the director of risk management at global insurance brokerage HUB International. She brings extensive safety management experience to clients in Oregon, partnering to minimize employee and public safety losses, achieve regulatory compliance, and build a robust safety culture.
