Construction: Noise Control

Noise is one of the most common hazards on construction sites, and yet its impact is often underestimated. While immediate risks and major injuries receive significant attention, hearing damage can develop gradually over years of exposure before becoming a serious, irreversible health issue.

As the MILWAUKEE® Construction: Noise Control whitepaper highlights, protecting workers from excessive noise should be a key priority for every construction employer.

• Construction workers are regularly exposed to high noise levels, making hearing loss one of the industry's most significant long-term health risks
• Employers are responsible for assessing noise risks and taking action when exposure reaches and exceeds key thresholds
• Safer sites can be created through quieter tools, effective noise control measures, hearing protection and effective training

The scale of the problem is significant. Across the EU, more than 22 million people were estimated to be living with untreated and disabling hearing loss in 2019. The economic cost was estimated at €185 billion, driven by reduced quality of life, higher unemployment and premature retirement.

The issue is equally concerning in the UK. According to figures cited in the whitepaper, an estimated 17,000 workers suffered from work-related hearing loss in 2017/18.

Hearing loss is often described as a 'silent injury' because it can't be seen and develops gradually. It also can't be reversed in most cases. For construction workers who are regularly exposed to high noise levels, the effects can accumulate over time and worsen with age.

Construction is inherently one of the noisiest working environments. Workers are routinely exposed to equipment such as concrete breakers, Drills, Grinders, Sanders and heavy plant machinery throughout the working day.

The consequences extend beyond hearing damage alone. Excessive noise can make communication between workers more difficult, reduce awareness of nearby hazards and prevent people from hearing warnings or approaching equipment. This can increase the likelihood of accidents across the job site.

Studies referenced in the whitepaper also note links between prolonged noise exposure and wider health concerns, including stress, high blood pressure and depression. Noise exposure can reduce concentration and disrupt sleep, leading to lower productivity.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations were introduced in the UK in 2006 to help protect workers from excessive workplace noise exposure. Similar legislation had been in place in the EU since 2002.

The responsibility for managing noise risks largely falls on employers, who are required to assess risks and implement suitable control measures.

The EU regulations establish several key thresholds:

• Lower exposure action value: 80 dB
• Upper exposure action value: 85 dB
• Exposure limit value: 87 dB (no worker should be exposed to noise above this)

Once exposure reaches or exceeds these action thresholds, employers must take certain steps to reduce risk and protect workers' hearing.

Preventing occupational hearing loss requires a combination of education, planning, competent management and the right equipment.

Choose Quieter Equipment

One of the most effective strategies is to tackle noise at its source. This includes selecting quieter Power Tools and machinery whenever suitable alternatives are available.

The whitepaper highlights battery-powered equipment as one example of technology that can help reduce noise compared to traditional petrol-powered solutions.

Improve Site Controls

Employers can also minimise worker exposure through effective site planning and organisation. Recommended measures include:

• Isolating noisy activities where possible
• Using temporary sound barriers
• Creating noise exclusion zones
• Positioning workers away from noise sources
• Rotating workers to reduce individual exposure times

These controls can significantly reduce the risk of long-term hearing damage while helping maintain a safer working environment.

Protect and Educate Workers

Where noise can't be eliminated, suitable Hearing Protection is essential. Employers should ensure workers receive the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and that they understand how to use it properly. They should also be aware of the risks associated with noise exposure.

Ongoing health surveillance can help identify potential hearing issues at an early stage and avoid worsening workers' existing hearing problems.

While employers are responsible for managing workplace exposure, manufacturers also have an important role to play.

European legislation requires machinery to be designed with noise reduction in mind, encouraging manufacturers to minimise noise through improved product design and engineering. This includes measures such as reducing vibration and developing technologies that lower noise output at the source.

MILWAUKEE® invests significantly in sound testing and product development to develop quieter tool solutions. The resulting battery-powered equipment reduces noise and air pollution without sacrificing the performance needed on demanding construction sites. 

For a more detailed look at construction noise risks, legislation and practical recommendations for reducing workplace exposure, download the MILWAUKEE® Construction: Noise Control whitepaper.