Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common and preventable injury in the agriculture industry. Farming ranks among the top three industries and occupations with the highest risk for NIHL due to the frequent exposure of agriculture workers to excessive noise and their reluctance to wear hearing protection or employers not providing personal protection equipment (PPE) to their employees.
Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by exposure to hazardous levels of noise. Any noise that leaves you with a ringing in the ears causes a temporary hearing loss or requires raising your voice to be heard is a hazardous level. Sound is measured in decibels (dB). Sound levels under 85dB are generally considered safe, however, prolonged exposure to levels at 80dB is considered a risk.
Hazardous levels of noise are produced by a number of kinds of agricultural equipment, including:
- Livestock
- Chainsaws
- Combines
- Firearms
- Grain dryers
- Tractors
- Lawnmowers
- Irrigation pumps
To protect hearing, noise exposure must be controlled. For agricultural employees this includes:
- Reduce sound levels – When choosing equipment, ask for the sound levels and pick the quietest option.
- Perform routine maintenance – Replace worn parts, lubricate bearings, and fixing mufflers will not only improve performance but also help in reducing noise levels.
- Isolate from noise – When using motorized equipment, choose machines with cabs or enclosures.
- Use PPE – Purchasing newer, quieter equipment is not always possible. In those cases, employees should be provided with hearing protection in the form of earmuff style ear protection or expandable earplugs and extra hearing protection should be kept in high noise zone areas.
- Limit daily exposure duration – Reducing the amount of time an employee is exposed to noise can limit its detrimental effects.
Agricultural jobs rank as one of the most dangerous in the U.S. The lawyers at America’s Consumer Lawyer will work with you to help determine whether filing a lawsuit is in your best interest and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one suffered an injury on a farm, contact us today.
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