Northern California Construction Noise Induced Hearing Loss Lawyers
Construction Noise Induced Hearing Loss
For construction laborers who work in loud environments, noise-induced hearing loss is a common disability. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) considers work-related hearing loss a serious safety and health issue for laborers in the construction industry, despite well-known methods of prevention and longstanding regulations within the industry. Exposure to loud noises over an extended period of time, or exposure to a sudden, loud noise, like an explosion, can cause permanent and irreversible hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss can make it difficult for a construction worker to hear warning signals, talk with coworkers, family and friends, and enjoy music and television.
The northern California personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger have represented active or retired construction workers who have suffered noise-induced hearing loss in the following trades:
- Operating engineer
- Ironworker
- Carpenter
- Cement mason
- Sheet metal worker
- Electrician
- Masonry worker
- Insulation worker
- Other construction worker.
Noise Exposure Levels for Northern California Construction Workers
Noise is unwanted sound that is measured on a decibel scale. For California construction workers, the amount and level of exposure to noise is limited and enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The legal limit for workers is an 8-hour average noise exposure of 90 decibels (long term exposure to noise over 85 decibels is considered to be harmful). Findings by a University of Washington study showed that more than one-third of construction work shifts were above the 8 hour limit of 90 decibels and that more than half of work shifts had exposure to short periods of extremely high decibel levels (115 decibels or more).
Long and short term exposure to loud noises, such as chipping guns, chop saws, roto-hammers and Skil saws, can damage the hair cells located in the inner ear causing hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and distortion of sounds. Construction workers may find that sounds are muffled or softened, making it difficult to hear. Long-term exposure to loud noises may result in total loss of hearing for the worker.
Hearing Protection
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is the use of hearing protection. Construction workers should wear hearing protectors anytime noise levels are over 85 decibels and should wear hearing protectors labeled with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). Hearing protectors come in many forms, including earmuffs, banded earplugs, flanged earplugs and foam earplugs.
Free Legal Consultation
The prevention of noise-induced hearing loss is possible if employers put the right safety measures and programs into place at a construction site. Construction workers should be in a hearing loss prevention program that promotes the use of hearing protectors, and provides noise monitoring and training. Employers and other negligent parties that fail to warn or counsel workers about the use of hearing protectors may be found in violation of OSHA noise regulation standards and may be liable for hearing loss and other injuries sustained by their employees.
The northern California construction accident law firm at Estey Bomberger offers free consultations to review your case and can determine what types of compensation you may be entitled to in a construction accident claim. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, medical devices, lost wages, loss of benefits, and pain and suffering. Call one of our northern California personal injury attorneys today at (800) 890-6722 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.