How Can My Hearing Be Affected At Work?Exposure to noise may cause a temporary change in hearing or a temporary ringing in your ears. Short-term hearing problems usually go away within a few minutes or hours after the noise stops. However, if the noise is constant, you may suffer long-term consequences and you may ultimately lose your hearing. If you work with excessively loud tools or equipment on a regular basis, you could be at risk for permanent hearing loss or damage.
How Can I Prevent Hearing Loss? You may be one of 30 million workers who are currently exposed to dangerous noise levels. You can try to decrease noise levels and protect against hearing loss or damage by using: - Expandable foam plugs;
- Pre-molded, reusable plugs;
- Canal caps; and
- Earmuffs.
What Can I Do If My Hearing Has Been Affected At Work? Work-related hearing loss is a major employment concern. Personal safety and health is put in jeopardy when an employee suffers hearing impairment as a result of his performance on the job. Bringing your concerns to the attention of your co-workers, union, or employer may lead to hearing loss prevention programs in your workplace or improved work conditions. If the situation remains unchanged and problematic, you should consider talking with an attorney who is familiar with employment regulations and laws.
Can My Employer Be Held Responsible For My Hearing Loss? In some cases, your hearing loss or damage may be covered by workers compensation. Depending on your employment situation, you may also be covered by certain health and safety laws. For example, certain workers are entitled to hearing protection under the following federal regulations: - The 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act, which ensures safety in the workplace and encourages continual improvements in employee safety and health;
- The January 2005 Supplement to the Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, which provides medical benefits, compensation for lost wages, and rehabilitation services to employees who are injured during the course of employment; and
- The 1908 Federal Employers Liability Act, which encourages railroad companies to enact and enforce strict safety regulations to protect workers from injuries such as hearing loss.
Do I Need A Lawyer?Discussing your work-related health and safety questions and concerns with an employment or workers compensation lawyer may be extremely beneficial. Also, if your hearing has been affected by hazardous noise levels, an attorney will be able to offer you the necessary support and guidance if you decide to take legal action. |
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