The number of Australians who are deaf or hearing impaired is increasing because of long-term exposure to excessive noise – often in the workplace – accidents, the environment and the ageing of the population.
Noise is a major workplace health and safety hazard and under WHS legislation, workers must be protected from the risk of hearing loss.
Hazardous noise can destroy the ability to hear clearly, making it more difficult to hear sounds necessary for working safely such as instructions or warning signals.
This week is Hearing Awareness Week across Australia (24-30 August 2014) and we are all being encouraged to look after our hearing and ways to protect it.
Safety Australia Group