The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has begun evaluating the potential for a new process noise in construction standard.
The potential standard was included on the agency’s regulatory agenda published in May. OSHA is planning to issue a request for information in November to gauge the effectiveness and feasibility of adopting more noise-hazard requirements.
Two recent studies on occupational hearing loss conducted by the Department of Energy and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health concluded that a significant percentage of construction workers have suffered hearing loss during their careers. The permissible exposure limit for construction noise is 90 A-weighted decibels over an eight-hour period, but NIOSH's recommended exposure level is 85 A-weighted decibels over that timeframe.
The more stringent rule impacts workers in factories, and experts say that making the tougher standard apply to construction workers would make a real difference in protecting their hearing.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2016
Ontario planning to spend $7 billion on wide-ranging climate change plan
Includes financial incentives to retrofit buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2016
Facility managers say Internet of Things, analytics will impact maintenance soon
More reliable data needed for optimal results from the technology.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2016
Industry leaders call for wider use of bamboo as a building material
Benefits include seismic resiliency and sustainability.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2016
Asphalt roofing group publishes updated shingle installation guide
Technical manual provides best practices for roofing professionals.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2016
EPA proposes new stormwater discharge regulations for construction sites
Would apply to sites of one or more acres.
Roofing | May 16, 2016
New guide focused on increasing energy and structural performance with raised-heel trusses
Higher trusses simplify attic ventilation, leave more space for insulation.
Codes and Standards | May 11, 2016
Current California seismic codes provide safety, resiliency, but needed upgrades present challenge
Los Angeles requires seismic retrofits, but other cities do not.
Codes and Standards | May 10, 2016
Apple spars with Cupertino, Calif., mayor over strained city infrastructure
Apple’s new ‘spaceship’ campus project prompts questions about whether the company should pay more to offset traffic woes.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2016
Safety Stand-Down yields proposals to boost construction safety
One example: Gilbane encourages safety harnesses for all working above 6 feet.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2016
EcoDistricts unveils sustainable neighborhood framework
Focus is on equity, resilience, and climate protection.