Why noise

How Noise can affect workers' Safety and Health

Protecting workers from the affects of noise can be complicated because the particular characteristics of noise in a workplace have to be considered, along with other workplace hazards.

Noise can cause, or be a factor in causing:

• Hearing disabilities
• Harm to the ears through exposure to dangerous substances
• Work-related stress
• An increased risk of workplace accidents
• Harm to a worker's unborn child

Incidence of noise-related problems at work within the EU

Summary of these statistics

• EU statistics
• National statistics
• Sectoral data
• Gender differences

Employers' legal responsibilities

In 2003, Directive 2003/10/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from the physical agents (noise) was adopted.

This directive, to be considered together with the "Framework" Directive and other occupational safety and health legislation, is to be transposed into all Member States before 15 February 2006 and replaces the previous directive on noise.

Suggested solutions to minimise the risks of noise

There are three keys to success:

• Conduct a risk assessment
• Take steps to prevent or control the risks

  i) Where possible eliminate exposure to noise at source

  ii) Control exposure to noise

  iii) Personal protective equipment (PPE)

  iv) Information and training

• Regularly monitor and review the effectiveness of the measures in place