Noise. Noise reduction – improving environmental and health and safety aspects for workers

Noise in the workplace is one of the most common health hazards. Unfortunately, it is also often underestimated. In many companies, it is treated as an unavoidable element of everyday life. This is especially true for work in industrial plants, workshops or warehouses. Meanwhile, high noise levels have a real impact on the comfort, health and safety of employees. And also on the environment. How to deal with it?

Why is noise so dangerous?

Noise is not just annoying sounds. It is stimuli of different frequencies and intensity, which – depending on the conditions – can have serious consequences. Direct effects? Hearing damage and, in extreme cases, even permanent hearing loss. But that’s not all.

Excessive noise also leads to mental and physical fatigue. It disrupts concentration. It makes communication difficult. It increases the risk of errors and accidents – especially where warning signals count. Long-term exposure to high sound levels can also cause chronic stress. Another consequence is cardiovascular disorders. This is a threat that is not immediately visible. However, the effects can be really serious.

We must also not forget about the impact of noise on the environment. Industrial plants, HVAC installations, vehicles – all of these sources generate noise that penetrates outside. As a result, they create so-called acoustic pollution. For residents of nearby areas or for animals, this means real disruption to life.

Law and standards – what do they say about noise?

Noise reduction is not only a matter of good will on the part of the employer. It is an obligation. In Poland, this topic is regulated by, among others, the Labor Code, along with regulations on occupational health and safety. There are specific standards specifying permissible noise levels in workplaces, such as PN-N-01307:1994. These standards precisely define the maximum values ​​for different types of rooms and workstations. It is worth bearing in mind that the limits will be different, for example, for an office and for an industrial hall. However, the goal is always the same – to reduce noise to a safe level.

At the European Union level, there are also directives on health protection from the risks resulting from exposure to noise. What requirements apply to companies? Employers are required to identify risks, apply protective measures and monitor sound levels. Negligence in this area can result in serious consequences. Not only legal and financial, but also for employees. And therefore – for the functioning of the company itself.

Noise reduction – a benefit for people and the environment

Reducing noise levels is a multidimensional action. First, it is about protecting the health of employees. Limiting exposure to harmful sounds reduces the risk of occupational diseases, reduces stress and improves concentration. The result? Fewer errors. Fewer accidents.

Secondly, it is about the impact on the environment. By reducing noise, the company reduces its negative impact on the environment. Noise is a form of pollution, as are gas emissions or sewage discharge. A quieter plant means a better quality of life for residents and less disruption to nature.

What else is worth knowing? Investments in noise reduction also affect the image of the organization. There are therefore many more benefits. A socially responsible company cares not only about financial results, but also about people’s health and the state of the environment. This is today the standard expected by customers, investors and local communities.

How to effectively reduce noise levels at work?

There are many methods. The choice depends on the source of the problem, the specifics of the space and the available technical possibilities. It is best to start with the source of noise. How to reduce it? A good idea would be, for example, to use machines with a lower sound emission level. In addition, it is worth taking care of regular servicing or reducing the speed of moving parts. All this brings specific effects. In terms of service, it is worth reaching for the support of CMMS systems . We invite you to familiarize yourself with the possibilities of the QRmaint platform and to contact our experts.

When limiting noise at the source is not enough, isolation methods come into play. What can you use? It is worth choosing, for example, sound-absorbing enclosures, operator cabins or acoustic mats. These are just some examples. Their common goal is to limit the spread of loud sounds. In large spaces, it is worth relying on acoustic barriers and appropriate arrangement of space, which will limit the spread of sound waves.

Sometimes even all possible technical solutions are not enough. Then it is necessary to use personal protective equipment. Ear muffs, ear plugs – well-chosen can significantly reduce the acoustic load. You should also remember to properly match them to the needs of employees. But be careful: personal protective equipment is the last line of defense. They do not replace noise reduction measures at the source. The best results are achieved with a strategy that includes various methods.

It is also worth managing the time of exposure to noise. Employee rotation, breaks in high-noise zones, limiting the time spent in noisy zones – these are other elements of an effective strategy.

How to implement noise reduction techniques?

The basis is an acoustic audit. Only accurate measurements allow you to assess the actual noise level in different areas of the plant. The audit allows you to indicate the most important sources of the problem.

The next step is to assess occupational risk. Based on this, a realistic action plan can be created. The plan should include both technical reduction measures and organizational changes. It is important that the actions are tailored to the specifics of the plant – and to the actual needs of employees.

After implementing the solutions, you must not forget about monitoring. You must ensure regular measurements of noise levels and review the effectiveness of the actions taken. In this way, you can maintain a high standard of protection. And react quickly if the situation changes.

Why is noise reduction worth it?

These are many benefits that have a real impact on the company’s daily operations and the well-being of its employees:

• First: employee health. Less noise means less fatigue, better concentration and fewer mistakes. And that translates directly into efficiency.
• Second: costs. Fewer absences, fewer health claims, fewer accidents. In the long run, this means tangible savings.
• Third: the company’s image. Social responsibility is not an empty slogan. It is specific actions that build a competitive advantage.
• Fourth: compliance with regulations. Meeting norms and standards, including the increasingly popular ESG guidelines, is becoming crucial in relationships with business partners and investors.

Noise reduction is not a cost. It is an investment – ​​in people, in the environment and in the future of the company.