Protect Your Hearing at Work- OSHA Listen Up Campaign
Easy Ways to Prevent Hearing Loss in Noisy Environments
Did you know that 22 million workers are exposed to potentially harmful noise each year? Whether you’re working in a warehouse, on a construction site, or even at a theme park, loud environments can put your hearing at risk. The good news? Hearing loss is totally preventable! OSHA’s Listen Up campaign is all about helping both employers and workers protect their hearing on the job.
Why Noise Is a Big Deal
Constant loud noise isn’t just annoying—it can cause permanent hearing loss, make it harder to communicate, and even affect your health. Things like ringing in your ears (tinnitus), heart issues, and high blood pressure can all be linked to excessive noise exposure. That’s why it’s so important to keep an ear out for the noise around you (pun intended!).
Luckily, there are easy ways to cut down the noise. Employers can invest in quieter tools, set up barriers, and rotate workers to limit exposure. As a worker, always make sure you’re using properly fitted earplugs or earmuffs. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
When it comes to ear protection, more isn’t always better. You want to reduce the noise just enough to keep things safe (around 75-85 dBA), but you don’t want to overdo it and make it harder to stay aware of your surroundings.
Want to Learn More?
OSHA’s Listen Up campaign is packed with helpful resources for hearing conservation, whether you’re an employer or a worker. For more tips, tools, and information, be sure to check out both the Listen Up campaign and Occupational Noise Exposure pages.
And for even more workplace safety advice, be sure to check out this past MHI Blog discussing OSHA’s Program which targets safety for material handling workers.
