Minimising Noise Hazards at the Workplace

by Suresh Tanwar, Head of Audit and Consultancy, British Safety Council, India

Workplace noise is more than just an annoyance. It has now become a serious concern across industries.

Research indicates that prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to several health issues, such as headaches, increased irritability, and elevated employee stress levels. In countries like India, where the number of open-plan offices and industrial hubs continues to grow, tackling noise hazards has become more important than ever.

Prolonged exposure to high level of noise to people in the industry causes NIHL (Noise Induced Hearing Loss). It is irreversible hearing loss and is a notifiable and compansable occupational disease under the Factories Act, 1948.

According to a study by Godrej Interio’s Workplace Research team, Indian workplaces are noisier than recommended by the National Building Code (NBC) of India. The study found that workplace noise varied by location and time of day, with open-plan offices and hard architectural features like open ceilings and concrete floors being significant contributors. 65% of respondents reported difficulty concentrating due to the noise at work, indicating that noise pollution is a frequently overlooked health issue in Indian workspaces.

The Growing Noise Problem in Indian Workplaces

Open-plan offices often sacrifice workers’ comfort while encouraging more communication and collaboration. The increased density of workers and hard surfaces – such as open ceilings and hard floors – exacerbate the problem.

Whether it’s the constant chatter, phone calls, or the hum of air conditioning, workplaces in India have evolved into a noisier environment, affecting employees’ ability to focus on their tasks.

The problem isn’t limited to just offices. High noise levels are an inherent part of the job in industries like construction, manufacturing, and heavy engineering. While it’s true that these industries are vital to a country’s economic growth, they also expose millions of workers to harmful levels of noise daily.

Why Noise Management is Critical

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most preventable occupational hazards, yet it remains a significant issue. Noise exposure, whether prolonged or through sudden loud sounds, affects each individual differently. Factors such as worker habits, the age of tools, operator competency, and the type of personal protective equipment (PPE) used (or misused) all influence the level of risk.

The challenge with managing noise hazards is that traditional methods – such as third-party risk assessments and standard-issue PPE – often fall short. A third-party noise assessment provides a snapshot of workplace noise levels at a particular moment. While this is useful, it doesn’t always account for the dynamic nature of work environments where noise levels fluctuate throughout the day. This makes it challenging to implement effective long-term strategies to combat noise pollution.

In India, where industries like manufacturing and construction are booming, addressing the rising industrial deafness cases requires more than a periodic assessment. Employers need to integrate modern, real-time solutions that capture data and provide actionable insights to mitigate noise risks effectively.

Modern Approaches to Managing Noise Hazards

Organisations should embrace personalised noise monitoring technologies instead of relying solely on average noise levels and one-size-fits-all solutions. These modern solutions provide workers and safety managers with real-time, individualised data, allowing them to make informed decisions that directly improve health and safety outcomes.

For Indian workplaces, these technologies can offer much-needed solutions by continuously monitoring noise exposure in real time and flagging hotspots where workers may be at risk. Given their immediate insights, organisations can take preventive measures before noise exposure leads to long-term health consequences like NIHL.

Moreover, these systems allow employees and managers to quickly identify patterns, trends, and high-risk areas, which helps build a proactive approach to noise management. Industries across boards – from offices in urban hubs to factories in industrial zones – can benefit from these advancements by mitigating health risks and boosting productivity.

Steps Workplaces Can Take to Minimise Noise Hazards

Conducting Comprehensive Noise Assessments: Workplaces can invest in continuous noise monitoring systems rather than relying on just third-party consultants periodically. This can help track noise levels across different zones and times of day.

Designing Office Spaces with Acoustics in Mind: Organisations can engage architects and designers to incorporate noise-reducing elements like sound-absorbing panels, soft furnishings, or even carpets to minimise the harshness of sound in open-plan offices.

Investing in Modern Technology: Real-time noise monitoring tools can help organisations track individual noise exposure levels and take prompt action. These tools also provide valuable insights for improving workplace design and safety.

Using PPE Correctly: It is necessary to equip workers, especially those in high-noise industries like manufacturing and construction, with appropriate hearing protection devices such as Ear plugs or Ear muffs. Ensuring that the PPE is used correctly and consistently is vital.

Investing in Right Machinery: To minimise noise levels, factories need to consider machinery noise when purchasing and ensure regular maintenance as per manufacturer guidelines. Over time, wear and tear, poor lubrication, and loose parts can increase noise, so their upkeep is essential.

Formulating Noise Level Policy: It is also crucial to implement a company policy that requires operators to report unusually high noise levels and regularly check machinery for proper functioning.

Creating Quiet Zones: In office settings, it helps to designate certain areas as quiet zones where employees can focus without distractions. This can go a long way in mitigating the cognitive impact of noise on workers.

Training and Awareness: Regularly training employees on the dangers of prolonged noise exposure and the correct use of noise protection equipment is another important step.

Way Forward

Tackling noise pollution is no longer a piecemeal issue that can be brushed aside. With rising reports of noise-related health issues, particularly in urban offices and industrial workplaces, adopting a comprehensive, data-driven approach to managing noise is essential.

By integrating real-time monitoring tools and personalised noise assessments, employers can protect their employees’ health and improve workplace productivity. After all, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, and it is time for employers globally to ensure safer, quieter, and more productive workplaces.