Each year, about 30 million Americans are exposed to hazardous noise while on the job. For the last 25 years, noise-related hearing loss has been one of the most widespread occupational health concerns in the U.S. Because of increased noise levels on the job, thousands of workers suffer from hearing loss that could otherwise be prevented if precautions were taken like posting federal labor law posters at the workplace. At least 125,000 workers have suffered significant permanent hearing loss since 2004. In 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more than 21,000 hearing loss cases.
Once someone suffers permanent hearing loss, common ways of correcting the problem, like surgery or hearing aids, are no longer helpful. Even being exposed to loud noises for a short period of time causes a temporary change in hearing. Loud noises can cause physical and psychological stress, reduce productivity, interfere with communication and concentration, and contribute to accidents and injuries. Things like controlling your intake of noise and reducing sound exposure levels, implementing an effective hearing loss program, and posting workplace compliance posters, are all effective ways to prevent on-the-job hearing loss.
Compliance Poster Company creates labor law posters, OSHA posters, workplace compliance posters and more.