Noise in agriculture and forestry

• Introduction
• Noise levels in agriculture
• Effects of noise
• Prevention and reduction of noise

Introduction

“The review of trends in farm practices and machinery development suggests that noise problems are still prevalent in agricultural situations, even though there has been a steady increase in the availability of materials and equipment for noise control over recent years. The apparent reluctance of the agricultural sector to embrace the use of these noise reduction methods is probably due, at least in part, to the perceived cost.”

It is difficult to estimate the number of workers (self-employed and employees) in agriculture and forestry who suffer hearing damage in the European Union.

A 1981 study in the United States of America estimated 10 percent of the 3.6 million United States farm workers are exposed to average daily noise levels in excess of the 85 decibels, with an unknown portion of the additional 11.8 million farm family members, part-time farmers, and hired workers may also be exposed.

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Noise in Forestry

Sources of noise in forestry include:

• All terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• Stump grinders
• Wood chippers
• Peeling machines
• Posthole borers

Effects of noise

Exposure to loud noise, particularly over long periods of time, can cause noise induced hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to agricultural noises could result in permanent hearing loss unless noise control measures are taken.

Noise can cause other problems, and interact with other hazards in the workplace to create a greater risk to workers.

Noise can:

• Cause stress, and the resulting ill health outcomes (e.g. high blood pressure, depression)
• Cause accidents by making communication difficult and masking warning sounds
• Interact with chemicals to damage the ear and cause deafness

Noise induced hearing loss cannot be cured, but it can be prevented. Employers have legal duties to prevent or reduce the exposure of workers to noise.

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Prevention and reduction of noise in agriculture and forestry

A study commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive (UK) found that it is possible to reduce the daily noise exposure by between 3 to 16 dB(A), if measures are taken to control noise at source. Additional personal hearing protection may still be required in certain situations.

Noise must be actively managed in order to reduce the exposure of workers to noise.

This can be seen as a four-stage process.

1. Assess: a competent person should assess the noise risks.
2. Eliminate: remove noise sources from site.
3. Control: put in place measures to prevent exposure, with personal hearing protection as the last resort.
4. Review: check to see if there are any changes in the work, and amend the assessment and control measures accordingly.

Assessment

Worker noise exposure should be assessed, with particular attention being paid to the following:

• the workers and their exposure, including:
  • the level, type and duration of exposure, including any exposure to impulsive or impact noise, and whether the worker belongs to a particular risk group;
  • where possible, effects on workers’ health and safety resulting from interactions between noise and vibrations, and noise and work-related ototoxic substances (substances that can harm your ears);
• risks to workers’ health and safety from failing to hear warning signals or alarms;
• the extension of exposure to noise beyond normal working hours under the employer’s responsibility;
• technical knowledge and information, including: o the information on noise emission provided by manufacturers of work equipment;
  • the existence of alternative work equipment designed to reduce the noise emission;
  • relevant information from health surveillance;
  • the availability of suitable hearing protectors.

Elimination of noise

Where possible, the production of noise should be eliminated. This can be achieved by changing the construction or work method. Where elimination is not possible, then the noise should be controlled.

Control

There are three steps to the protection of workers from noise, using technical and organisation measures:

1. control the noise at source;
2. collective measures, including work organisation;
3. personal hearing protection.

Control of noise at source

• using a machine with lower noise emissions;
• avoiding loud impact noise;
• damping to reduce noise or isolating vibrating parts;
• fitting silencers;
• carrying out preventive maintenance: as parts become worn, noise levels can change.

Collective control measures

Actions can be taken to reduce the exposure to noise of all those who may be exposed, in addition to the steps above. Collective measures include:

• isolating noisy procedures and restricting access to noisy areas;
• interrupting the path of airborne noise through the use of noise enclosures and barriers;
• using absorptive materials to reduce reflected sound (care should be taken when machinery is used buildings (e.g. milling and mixing plant in barns) as the building can intensify the noise);
• organising work so that the time spent in noisy areas is limited (e.g. mechanical or automatic feeding systems can reduce the need to enter the building when noise levels reach their peak. );
• planning to have noisy work done when as few workers will be exposed as possible;
• implementing work schedules that control exposure to noise.

Personal hearing protection

Personal hearing protection should be used as a last resort. Where used:

• the personal hearing protection must be worn and its use enforced;
• it should be suitable for the job, type and level of noise, and compatible with other protective equipment;
• workers should have a choice of suitable hearing protection, so that they can find the most comfortable;
• training should be given on how to use, store, and maintain the hearing protection.

Review

Review the risk assessment often and amend the control measures in place accordingly.

Training

Training is an important part of noise control. Persons requiring training include:

• those carrying out the noise assessment;
• managers, so that they can meet their duties regarding control and record keeping;
• workers, who need to know how and why to use work equipment and control measures to minimise exposure to noise.

Training should be as specific as possible They should know how to minimise their exposure to noise. Particular attention should be paid to new workers.

Health surveillance and monitoring

Workers have a right to appropriate health surveillance 2. Where health surveillance such as preventive audiometric testing takes place, there are requirements on individual health record-keeping and providing information to the worker. The knowledge gained from the surveillance procedure should be used to review the risk assessment and control measures.

Consultation with workers

Workers often know about particular noise problems and possible solutions. Employees and their representatives should be consulted in the assessment procedure and in discussions on how to implement control measures.

Consult workers and/or their representatives:

• when assessing risks;
• on the choice of PPE;
• on the results of monitoring, including health monitoring.