Noise in the Canadian Workplace
Low or moderate noise levels can cause annoyance and stress, and make it difficult for people to complete tasks, or talk to and hear one another. Loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss and risk worker safety.
Promote hearing conservation
- Have managers and supervisors set an example by wearing hearing protection devices whenever required
- Acknowledge good hearing conservation practices
- Be proactive and look for ways to eliminate or reduce noise exposure
- Encourage workers to report noise hazards
- Offer audiometric tests and the opportunity to ask questions
What’s in a hearing conservation program?
- Noise assessment
- Hearing protector selection
- Employee training and education
- Audiometric testing
- Maintenance
- Inspection
- Record keeping
- Program evaluation
The surest method of preventing noise-induced hearing loss is to eliminate or reduce noise at the source.
- Eliminate the hazard
- Engineering controls (such as changes in design and materials to reduce noise levels)
- Substitution of equipment
- Administrative controls (manage how work in noisy areas is done)
- Using protective equipment
| Noise Source |
dB(A) |
| Hand-held circular saw (1 m) |
115 |
| Textile room |
103 |
| Power lawnmower (1 m) |
92 |
| Diesel truck at 50 kph (20 m) |
85 |
| Passenger car at 60 kph (20 m) |
65 |
| Conversation (1 m) |
60 |
| Quiet room |
40 |
Make sure hearing protection is:
- Correct for the job. Refer to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard Z94.2-14.
- Compatible with other required personal protective equipment or communication devices.
- Comfortable enough to be accepted and worn.
- Appropriate for the temperature and humidity in the workplace.
What the law says
Eight jurisdictions require a hearing conservation program when noise either exceeds their occupational exposure limit (BC, NL, PE, Federal), 85dBA (NT, NU, SK) or when there is excess noise (AB). However, all employers have a duty to provide a safe work environment and take all reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of employees and others in the workplace.