Industrial Noise Assessments & Control

In many workplace settings, noise isn't just a nuisance – it's a health hazard and a business liability.

For these reasons, industrial noise control is a crucial aspect of workplace safety. It involves measuring and analyzing sound levels in an industrial environment to protect workers' hearing. Excessive and extreme sound can lead to permanent hearing loss, safety risks, and communication breakdowns among teams. Also, OSHA requires employers to assess noise exposure and control noise when established limits are exceeded.

To address industrial noise issues, Postured Ergonomics offers industrial noise assessments as part of our professional evaluation services.

Protect your team today with our industrial noise assessments and noise control strategies.

Schedule assessment

What is an Industrial Noise Assessment?

An industrial noise assessment is a measurement of overall sound intensity in a work area. According to OSHA, the maximum allowable level for occupational noise is 85 dBA as an eight-hour time-weighted average. If you exceed this level during work activities, you must implement a hearing conservation program for your employees.

To measure industrial noise, we utilize specialized tools and equipment, including sound level meters, dosimeters, and octave band analyzers. These tools measure overall sound intensity, employees’ personal exposure during their shifts, and specific noise frequencies that need targeted attention.

Why Noise Monitoring Matters

In addition to the worst-case scenario, permanent hearing loss, there are various other health risks associated with high noise levels. For example, employees in high-noise environments can experience tinnitus, ear pain, ringing in the ears, headaches, increased stress, and temporary hearing loss.

It is also more difficult for employees to effectively communicate with each other amidst very loud sounds, which can present additional safety hazards. Workers need to be able to listen to instructions, hear alarms, and be aware of approaching equipment using their sense of hearing.

Industrial noise control is also important because OSHA standards mandate it. OSHA’s 1910.95 standard requires employers to monitor and control noise when exposure exceeds the established safe limits.

At Postured Ergonomics, we recognize the importance of industrial noise control across various industries, including aviation, construction, entertainment, manufacturing, and utilities.

Our Industrial Noise Assessment Process

If you’ve never had an industrial noise assessment or it’s been a while since you’ve had one, here’s what you can expect from Postured Ergonomics.

Walkthrough Surveys

Our industrial noise control specialists conduct initial screenings to identify your noisiest areas and potential problem spots.

Area & Personal Monitoring

Then, we take detailed measurements using sound level meters and personal dosimeters to assess noise exposure levels in your most common workplace scenarios.

Data Analysis

Following our industrial noise assessment, we’ll evaluate the results compared to OSHA permissible exposure limits and the recommended exposure limits for your industry.

Noise Control Recommendations

Based on all available data, we will provide clear strategies to resolve noise issues, including equipment closures, protective barriers, and damping materials. We’ll also recommend administrative solutions, such as scheduling changes and shift rotations.

To protect your employees’ hearing at all times, we’ll share with you everything we know about comprehensive hearing protection programs to aid your operations.

OSHA Requirements for Noise Monitoring

Industrial noise assessments aren’t just a nice thing to do for your employees; they’re required by law.

OSHA mandates specific requirements, including an action level of 85 dBA (eight-hour TWA), which necessitates the implementation of a hearing conservation program. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 90 dBA (eight-hour TWA), and levels that exceed that require noise control measures.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in costly penalties and legal action against employers. Therefore, we’ll recommend a range of program elements, including audiometric testing, hearing protection, employee training, and ongoing monitoring.

Benefits of Industrial Noise Assessments

Companies we’ve worked with have cited the following benefits after receiving our industrial noise assessments:

  • Protect employees’ hearing and overall health
  • Prevent accidents by improving communication in noisy areas
  • Improve employee productivity and morale through your commitment to safety
  • Avoid OSHA fines, citations, and legal consequences

Why Choose Postured Ergonomics for Industrial Noise Assessments?

Postured Ergonomics is an expert in workplace safety and wellness. Businesses choose to work with us because of our highly qualified, certified industrial noise experts, who possess in-depth knowledge of industrial noise control.

We will provide clear and actionable results with our compliance-focused noise control recommendations. Even after our industrial noise control assessment is complete, we can provide ongoing monitoring with our high-tech equipment and OSHA-compliant testing methods. Regardless of the type of work you do, we’ll create a custom-tailored noise control solution that’s ideal for your workplace environment.

Group of people high-fiving each other in factory setting

Get Started with an Industrial Noise Assessment

You and your employees deserve a safe and sustainable workplace free from noise-related hazards and hearing risks.

Schedule your assessment today and ensure that your workplace is safe, productive, and compliant.