Noise at work:
protect hearing before damage begins.

Noise is a safety issue, not only a comfort issue

The DVG guideline identifies pain, hearing damage, disrupted rest and sleep, communication problems and reduced work performance as possible consequences of excessive noise. Noise can also mask warning signals, placing general safety under pressure.

The Aruban Safety Ordinance and Safety Decree I provide an important legal basis. The guideline refers to the duty to take measures that prevent occupational disease and to provide and use effective protective equipment against harmful sound vibrations.

Employers need an organised approach

A safe programme is more than handing out earplugs. The employer should identify the exposure, choose suitable controls, train workers, monitor use and check whether the measures actually reduce the risk.

The guideline describes different action levels. From 80 dB(A) LAeqw, the sound level should be recorded in a written plan and a measurement should be carried out according to the referenced NEN 3418 approach. The referenced NEN 3419 approach calls for the data to be retained for at least ten years.

• At or above 80 dB(A): document exposure and investigate it
• At or above 80 dB(A) LexT: arrange periodic audiometric monitoring as appropriate
• Above 85 dB(A): limit exposure time and require suitable hearing protection
• Above 90 dB(A): mark the area, reduce the level and establish a hearing-protection programme

Measure the work as it is actually performed

A useful workplace measurement follows the real process: which machine is beside the worker, how long does the exposure last, does the worker move between zones and is the protection suitable? Exposure is not always constant across a full shift.

Workers can raise concerns in writing and ask for a risk assessment. Employers can use a sound report to improve engineering controls, training and health monitoring.

Know the limits of a measurement

The NEN and European references in the source note are technical references. A concrete employment or compliance assessment should be checked against the current Aruban rules and the actual workplace conditions.

A sound measurement is not a medical diagnosis. Anyone with hearing symptoms should also consult a doctor or hearing specialist. Information about professional sound measurement in Aruba is available through Ishwar Daryanani.