Delaware is a state that is home to a variety of industries that contribute to its economy. Unfortunately, many of these industries are also quite noisy, and over time, this can cause significant damage to workers’ hearing.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of Delaware’s noisiest industries and explore ways that workers can protect their hearing on the job.
Noise can pose a significant risk to our hearing and overall health. If we asked you “What do you consider loud?” you may reply with things like “Fireworks”, or “Music concerts”. Would you be surprised to learn that where you work can also affect your hearing?
Let’s explore some of the noisiest industries in Delaware, and what you can do to protect your hearing.
Construction & Manufacturing
First on the list of noisy industries in Delaware are construction and manufacturing. These industries involve heavy machinery, power tools, and equipment that can produce noise levels well above the safe limit of 85 decibels. This level of noise can cause permanent hearing damage after just a few hours of exposure.
To protect their hearing on the job, workers in these industries should wear proper hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs. These items should be provided by employers and worn at all times when working in loud environments. Additionally, workers should take regular breaks from noisy environments to give their ears a chance to rest and recover.
Transportation Industry
Another industry in Delaware that can be quite noisy is the transportation industry. Trucks, buses, and other vehicles can produce noise levels that are harmful to workers’ hearing. Drivers and other workers in this industry should wear hearing protection and take regular breaks to prevent hearing damage. Additionally, employers should invest in noise-reducing technologies such as quieter engines and soundproofing materials for vehicles.
Hospitality Industry
The hospitality industry is another area where workers may be exposed to high levels of noise. This industry includes restaurants, bars, and nightclubs where loud music and conversations can be commonplace. Workers in these environments should be provided with hearing protection, and employers should make an effort to reduce the noise levels in their establishments by investing in soundproofing materials or limiting the volume of music played.
Agriculture Industry
Although Delaware is a relatively small state, agriculture is a big industry. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Delaware had 2302 farms that produced $1.5 billion in agricultural sales. The agriculture industry is also yet another industry in Delaware where workers may be exposed to loud noises. Tractors, combines, and other farm equipment can produce noise levels that are harmful to workers’ hearing. As with other industries, hearing protection should be provided and worn at all times, and regular breaks should be taken to give the ears a chance to rest.
How Can You Protect Your Hearing While on the Job?
So, what can workers do to protect their hearing on the job? The first step is to be aware of the potential hazards of noise in their workplace. Workers should be educated on the risks of exposure to loud noises and how to prevent hearing damage. They should also be aware of the signs of hearing loss, such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or difficulty hearing conversations.
Employers also have a responsibility to protect their workers’ hearing. They should provide hearing protection and ensure that it is worn at all times in noisy environments. They should also invest in noise-reducing technologies and make an effort to reduce noise levels in their establishments.
Delaware is home to several industries that can be quite noisy and pose a risk to workers’ hearing. Workers in these industries should be provided with hearing protection and take regular breaks to prevent hearing damage. Employers have a responsibility to invest in noise-reducing technologies and reduce noise levels in their establishments. By working together, we can protect the hearing of Delaware’s workers and ensure their safety on the job.
Get Your Hearing Checked at Hearing Services of Delaware
If you work in a noisy industry and want to get your hearing checked, don’t hesitate to get in touch. The team at Hearing Services of Delaware are here to help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our certified hearing care professionals.