Under the current Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code, all employees exposed to higher than 85 decibels over an eight hour day are considered to be "noise exposed workers". Employees exposed to 90 decibels or higher during an eight-hour day must also be given audiometric testing by a Certified Audiometric Technician or Audiologist within six months of starting with the employer. Subsequently, testing must be done every two years if they are still employed in a noise-exposed area. Any employees found to have abnormal hearing or abnormal shifts in hearing from one test year to another must then be referred to an Audiologist for further investigation.
BCL has the knowledge and expertise to ensure your organization meets these requirements by completing the following:
- area measurements of employee workstations
- personal monitoring of various individuals exposed to intermittent or fluctuating noise levels
- site map outlining areas of noise levels above 85 dBA
- audiometric testing of “noise exposed workers”
- recommendations for reducing noise levels
By having a Noise Survey completed, individuals who are noise exposed or who require audiometric testing can be identified and monitored. This eliminates the cost of supplying hearing protection or conducting audiometric testing on employees who are not noise exposed.
Ensuring that all employees are equipped with proper hearing protection will help your organization avoid costly Workers’ Compensation claims! It also ensures that your employees’ hearing is guarded.
