personal injury law

Article written by: Annie Reynolds

NYT Reports: United States Standards on Workplace Noise Insufficient According to a recent New York Times report, the standards set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for workplace noise are insufficient to protect workers hearing. Further, these standards lag behind the standards imposed by other industrialized countries. Under current U.S. standards, workers exposed to an average of 90 decibels for eight hours are required to utilize hearing protection. OSHA mandates that as volume increases by 5 decibels, the permissible exposure time is cut in half. However, according to the Report, many other countries, as well as some United States agencies, adhere to stricter standards requiring hearing protection at lower decibel rates and cutting exposure time at smaller intervals. In addition to lagging behind other countries, the New York Times also reports that the United States current standards are not sufficient to protect workers. According to the National Hearing Conservation Association, [t]he general consensus of professionals in the hearing-health field is that we should limit at 85 decibels with a 3-decibel standard for when noise dose doubles. In 2010, OSHA announced plans to revamp workplace nois standards, however, OSHA withdrew the plans after opposition from manufacturing and business organizations. Included in the report was a finding that noise levels at several New York City businesses reached noise levels, that, if sustained over as little as two hours, would violate OSHAs standards. For the study, researchers measured decibel levels at 37 restaurants, bars, shops and gyms across New York City. Although noise levels at these establishments reached dangerous levels, the study found that workers at these places rarely, if ever, report noise complaints.

Annie Reynolods is a plaintiffs attorney

in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Annie is an advocate for those seriously harmed by negligent actions of others.

Sheridan & Murray LLC

1600 Market Street, Suite 2500 Philadelphia, PA 19103 866-INJURIES
or

866-465-8743

www.SheridanAndMurray.com

personal injury law

Article written by: Annie Reynolds

Hearing health is an important safety concern that is often overlooked by employers. Hopefully the study encourages United States work places to implement safer standards and OSHA to re-evaluate current standards.

Annie Reynolods is a plaintiffs attorney

in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Annie is an advocate for those seriously harmed by negligent actions of others.

Sheridan & Murray LLC

1600 Market Street, Suite 2500 Philadelphia, PA 19103 866-INJURIES
or

866-465-8743

www.SheridanAndMurray.com