Plan - A practical guide 1. As NIHL progresses, the affected person becomes increasingly isolated and unable to hear everyday sounds, making it difficult to communicate with other people, both at work and socially. Lower levels of noise may also pose a hazard to health. Such noise levels may create distractions, reduce concentration spans, increase frustration and limit communication with others, especially in groups, lecture situations, or on the telephone.
Examples are job rotation, job redesign or rosters which are designed to reduce exposure to noise.
3.9 RISK is the probability of harm occurring to the hearing of a person. Managers should give purchasing preferences to goods that do not exceed the general 85dBA limit or 55dBA for office and computing equipment. Where there is only one supplier and the noise emission of the goods is unacceptable, managers should place the onus on the supplier to provide and install acoustic insulation. Managers should ensure that all statutory requirements are complied with and a noise management implementation plan developed. Staff should be made aware of control measures implemented to reduce exposure to noise and encouraged to cooperate in using agreed safe work practices.