Ever had to raise your voice on site to be heard over machinery? It might be a sign noise levels have reached excessive levels.

 

With things like loud machinery, drilling, crushing, blasting, and hundreds of other heavy-duty practices making for an industrial symphony, mine sites are noisy places. And if they’re not managed correctly, those loud noises can have lasting effects.

Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH) past president Beno Groothoff has more than 50 years’ experience in the fields of occupational hygiene, workplace health and safety and environmental control.

Groothoff has advised safety bodies on noise and vibration for years and has given countless talks on the subject across Australia and the Netherlands. He also teaches the subjects of occupational noise and human vibration management at The University of Queensland’s School of the Environment.

“A rough first indicator that workplace noise may be excessive is when you must raise your voice to be heard by a worker who is about a metre away,” Groothoff told Safe to Work.

“If so, that noise is potentially dangerous and must be managed through a risk management process.”

Loud noise creates “noise stress” by interfering with a worker’s ability to communicate and concentrate. In the long term this can lead to fatigue and irritability, with decreased feelings of wellbeing affecting health and causing sleep disorders.

Groothoff said that because the body does not “get used to noise”, the autonomous nervous system adapts its biological functions by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, and releasing adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol causing a fight or flight response.

“In the long term this will lead to cardiovascular disorders including high blood pressure and heart disease,” he said.

Groothoff said noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common auditory effects people experience in these situations, and both are irreversible.

“Noise is considered a material health risk by a number of major mining companies,” he said. “Material risks are substantial risks that matter to a business and serve to direct the limited resources available for control to the highest risk.”

Legislation requires mines to have systems in place so risk to a worker is at an acceptable level. But it can be difficult to determine what systems will be effective in reaching the acceptable levels, requiring professional help.

“To overcome the uncertainty of how much noise is emitted from machines or equipment under consideration, mines could engage either in-house engineering staff, provided they are properly trained in conducting noise assessments and have the appropriate sound level measuring equipment, or engage properly qualified occupational hygienists such as those found through the AIOH,” Groothoff said.

A quieter environment not only protects a worker’s hearing and makes for a more pleasant experience; it also helps to ensure critical operational and safety information is able to be heard and implemented.

Advancements in technologies have led to the development of equipment and tools designed to operate at lower noise levels. For example, modern drilling machines and ventilation systems are often engineered to minimise noise output. Aftermarket noise control measures should also be considered.

Investing in such technology protects workers’ hearing while potentially enhancing overall operational efficiency and safety.

“Addressing noise-induced hearing loss in the mining industry requires a multifaceted approach that combines engineering solutions, administrative policies, personal protective equipment and regularly reviewing the effectiveness of these three elements, as well as continuous education,” Groothoff said.

“By prioritising hearing conversation, mining operations can safeguard their workforce’s health, enhance communication and promote a culture of safety.

“Proactive measures not only protect workers but also contribute to the overall productivity and sustainability of the mining industry.”

This feature appeared in the May–June edition of Safe to Work.