Listen up, those of you who work in moderately loud work environments across New Jersey: You face an especially high risk of work-related hearing loss, and there are things you and your employer should be doing to protect your hearing. At Rosenberg, Kirby, Cahill, Stankowitz & Richardson, we recognize that hearing loss has become a widely prevalent problem for America’s workforce, and we have helped many people whose hearing suffered as a result of their work environments pursue appropriate recourse.
According to USA Today, work-related hearing loss has become so common across the United States that it is now the most frequent work-related injury experienced by American employees. In fact, about 22 million American workers undergo exposure to dangerous noise levels every year, and this costs the nation about $242 million annually in hearing loss-related workers’ compensation costs.
While common sense may tell you that your risk of suffering work-related hearing loss increases alongside the decibel level in your work environment, research shows that this is not actually the case. Instead of those who work in the loudest environment facing the highest risk of work-related hearing loss, it is actually those who work in settings that are “moderately loud” who face the most substantial hearing loss risk. Why?
Typically, those who work in extremely loud work settings know the risks associated with prolonged exposure to loud noise, and because of this knowledge, they are more consistent when it comes to wearing ear protection while at work. In moderately loud work environments, though, the risks are less obvious and not as well-documented, and this can lead workers in these environments to “take their chances” when it comes to protecting their hearing. You can find out more about workers’ compensation issues on our webpage.