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Chuck Ashelin is engineering manager for Zoneworks. A 15-year industry veteran, he holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. For more information on Zoneworks products, call 800-553-4834 or visit www.zoneworks.com.
Loud noises such as a backing semi-trailer or a fire alarm alert workers of impending danger. However, loud noises themselves can be dangerous, causing a host of immediate and long-term problems for employees and operations.
In addition to long-term damage, OSHA warns that excessive noise can cause physical and psychological stress, reduce productivity, interfere with communication and concentration, and contribute to workplace accidents and injuries.
It can be easy to underestimate the importance of hearing protection when working with and around machinery and processes that can cause much more immediate injury.
Virtually all safety and loss prevention managers appreciate the inherent dangers of the loading dock, especially since it’s usually a very busy place with forklifts, semi-trailers and pedestrians.
