Noise: The Not-So-Silent Workplace Hazard

Updated:
July 12, 2018

Excessive workplace noise can cause hearing damage that is disabling and often permanent. In manufacturing, sound from metal stamping machines, saws, drills, computer numeric control (CNC) machines, welding stations, and similar tools is common and has the potential to negatively impact your employees.

While the negative health impacts of noise is usually caused by prolonged exposure, it can also be caused by sudden, extremely loud noises. For instance, experiencing brief, impulsive noises from a nail gun can have permanent and lasting effects on the hearing of your employees.

Employers must take reasonable measures to protect workers from exposure to hazardous sound levels, and no worker’s eight-hour, time-weighted average exposure should exceed 85 decibels.

To protect workers from potentially dangerous noise, you should first consider removing the source of the noise altogether. For example, you could relocate a noisy machine where it can't be heard by workers. If that isn't possible, look into other risk controls, including the following:

  • Implement engineering controls to reduce noise produced by a machine or process.
  • Use screens, barriers, enclosures and absorbent materials to reduce noise before it reaches your workers.
  • Design and set up your workplace to create quiet workstations.
  • Limit the time people spend in noisy areas.
  • Ensure employees wear personal protective equipment.

While hearing protection shouldn’t be used as an alternative to controlling noise, it can be useful in the following situations:

  1. When extra protection is needed above what has been achieved using noise control strategies
  2. When short-term protection is needed while other methods of controlling noise are being developed

For additional protection, employers should post clearly visible warning signs in areas where sound levels exceed 85 decibels.

FAQs

What is financial advising?

Financial advising involves providing guidance and advice to individuals, families, or businesses to help them make informed decisions about their financial matters. This can include various aspects such as investment planning, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and more. Financial advisors analyze their clients' financial situations, goals, and risk tolerance to create customized strategies that align with their objectives.

Why is financial planning important?

Financial planning is crucial for several reasons:

Goal Achievement: It helps individuals set and achieve financial goals, whether they are short-term, such as buying a home, or long-term, like funding a comfortable retirement.

Risk Management: Financial planning addresses risks by considering insurance, emergency funds, and other protective measures.

Budgeting and Saving: It promotes responsible money management through budgeting and saving, fostering financial stability.

Wealth Building: Effective financial planning can lead to wealth accumulation and the creation of a secure financial future.

Can financial advisors help with debt?

Yes, financial advisors can help with debt management. They can assess your overall financial situation, create a budget, and develop strategies to pay down debt efficiently. They may also negotiate with creditors on your behalf, provide debt consolidation recommendations, and offer guidance on prioritizing and managing debt repayment.

What exactly does a financial advisor do?

The specific responsibilities of a financial advisor can vary, but generally, they:

  1. Conduct a thorough analysis of a client's financial situation, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
  2. Develop personalized financial plans based on the client's goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
  3. Provide investment advice and portfolio management services.
  4. Offer guidance on retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, and insurance.
  5. Monitor and adjust financial plans as needed based on changes in the client's life or market conditions.
  6. Educate clients on financial matters and empower them to make informed decisions.
What is the average fee for a financial advisor?

The fees charged by financial advisors can vary widely based on factors such as the advisor's experience, the services provided, and the region.

Common fee structures include:

Hourly Fees: Advisors charge an hourly rate for their services.
Flat or Fixed Fees: A set fee is charged for specific services or a comprehensive financial plan.
Asset-based Fees: Fees are a percentage of the assets under management (AUM).
Commission-based Fees: Advisors earn commissions on financial products they sell.
Combination of Fees: Advisors may use a combination of the above fee structures.
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It's important to discuss and clarify fee arrangements with a potential financial advisor before engaging in their services.