OSHA Proposes Revising Standards On Noise in Construction

The Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is considering revising its noise protection standards to require employers to use administrative or engineering controls rather than personal protective equipment to reduce noise exposures, according to a proposed interpretation scheduled for publication in the Oct. 19 Federal Register. 

“We plan to change our current noise standard enforcement policy, making it clear that ‘feasible' engineering controls means controls that are capable of being implemented,” David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health, wrote in an Oct. 15 letter to agency employees. “We think this will enable us to require more employers to reduce excessive workplace noise levels, preserving the hearing of many workers.”

Administrative controls may involve limiting how long an employee can work in an area with high noise levels; engineering controls would reduce the decibel level of a particular machine or power tool. Some employers are concerned that the proposed changes would impose unreasonable costs on their businesses.

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