Construction Injury Overview: Hearing Loss
Do you know what the most common work-related injury is? It’s not falling—though that’s the most common on construction sites. The most common in all industries is hearing loss. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate about 22 million workers in the United States are exposed to hazardous noise levels.
We all have some noise at our workplaces—from the coworker who doesn’t know when to quit to the tools and equipment that are used on a daily basis. But some of this noise could actually damage your ears and your ability to hear.
The CDC reports:
- Four million workers go to work each day in damaging noise. Ten million people in the U.S. have a noise-related hearing loss. Twenty-two million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise each year.
- In 2008, approximately 2 million U.S. workers were exposed to noise levels at work that put them at risk of hearing loss.
- In 2007, approximately 23,000 cases were reported of occupational hearing loss that was great enough to cause hearing impairment.
- Reported cases of hearing loss accounted for 14% of occupational illness in 2007.
What does this mean for you in the construction industry? It means that job supervisors have a responsibility to know what levels of noise are safe and when precautions must be taken to protect your ears. Blasting sites are a perfect example. The noise from a controlled blast could easily damage your hearing. But some potentially dangerous noises and sounds are not as sudden and apparent.
Things like belt sanders, circular saws, and hammer drills all put forth a considerable amount of noise. Whether this noise can damage your hearing is a matter of the machine itself and your exposure. Obviously, if you are around loud equipment day in and day out without being provided with the proper safety equipment, your risks are much greater.
Protective ear wear should be provided by the job when the risk for hearing loss or damage is present. But this isn’t always the case. Whether you are exposed to continual noise or you experienced sudden and immediately apparent hearing loss from a blast, you could be entitled to compensation.
Construction Accident Attorneys
The New York and New Jersey construction accident lawyers of Ginarte have handled a variety of construction injury cases. We know how long-term damage can affect your quality of life. Fortunately, you have rights.
If you’ve experienced an injury while on the job in New York or New Jersey, we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our lawyers at (888) GINARTE today.
