Protect Your Ears or Lose Your Career: Noise and Hearing Conservation in Construction and Mining
In construction and mining, loud noise isn’t just part of the job—it’s a silent threat. From jackhammers and drills to heavy haul trucks and crushers, daily exposure to high decibel levels puts your hearing at serious risk. And once hearing is gone, it’s gone for good.
Why It Matters
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is permanent, preventable, and more common than you'd think. OSHA requires hearing conservation programs for workers exposed to average noise levels of 83 decibels or higher over an 8-hour shift. That’s about as loud as a gas-powered lawn mower—something many workers are around all day, every day.
But hearing loss isn’t just about turning up the volume on your TV. It affects communication on site, your ability to hear alarms or backup signals, and ultimately, your ability to work safely. In mining and construction, that can mean the difference between going home and going to the ER—or worse.
What You Can Do
Protecting your hearing doesn’t require a degree. It requires action:
Wear the right hearing protection. Earplugs and earmuffs are your first line of defense. Make sure they’re rated for the noise level of your task.
Know your noise levels. If you need to raise your voice to speak to someone 3 feet away, it’s too loud.
Rotate tasks when possible. Limiting time in high-noise zones can reduce your exposure.
Get regular hearing tests. Baseline and annual audiograms help track damage early, before it’s too late.
Follow your company’s hearing conservation program. These programs are in place for a reason—your health and safety.
At Kelly Safety, we believe protecting your hearing is just as important as wearing a hardhat. You can’t see hearing loss happening, but that doesn’t mean it’s not creeping in every day. Stay alert. Stay protected. And if you're not sure whether your jobsite has a proper program in place, reach out—we’re here to help.
Need a tailored hearing conservation training for your crew? Visit KellySafety.com or call us today.
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