Noise Exposure

Noise exposure is unavoidable in mining and is also one of the most pervasive health hazards that miners face. Vehicles, machinery, and power tools generate high ambient noise levels, which can cause long-term damage to hearing. In fact, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identifies noise-induced hearing loss as one of 10 leading diseases and injuries in work places. NIOSH estimates that 30 million workers in the United States are exposed to hazardous noise. Exposure to high levels of noise may cause hearing loss, create physical and psychological stress, reduce productivity, and contribute to accidents and injuries by interfering with communication and making it difficult to hear warning signals.

Hearing loss may occur rapidly under prolonged exposure, or it may develop gradually with noise levels that are lower or with less frequent exposure. An individual may not notice a problem until after substantial hearing loss occurs.

To learn more about MSHA Part 48 training requirements visit our MSHA Part 48 Subpart B Surface Mining Online Training web page.