Noise exposure, hearing loss, and hearing conservation in the construction industry

Abstract

Workers in certain sectors of the construction industry incur more noise-induced hearing loss than in most other trades. This paper reviews data on noise exposure and hearing loss in the construction industry, gathered mainly in Washington State, British Columbia, Canada, and Sweden. The problem of worker mobility, where temporary employment is typical even for unionized workers, has hampered the implementation of effective hearing conservation programs in the construction industry. Solutions to this problem include a central repository for audiometric test results and information on training and noise control programs. Multiemployer benefit programs concerning health insurance and pensions provide models in the United States. A hearing conservation program specific to construction noise has been successfully implemented in British Columbia, with a resulting decrease in the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss.