When Noise Becomes an Occupational Hazard

There's a big difference between sound and noise, and in the office the difference can be quite obvious. One person's sound can be a coworker's noise. A good example is music. For one employee, heavy-metal music coming from a desk radio may provide soothing sound. For an employee at a nearby desk, the music may be painful noise. The best way to describe noise is "unwanted sound."

Unwanted Sound: an Occupational Hazard
Unwanted sound can take many forms, and it can create health and safety hazards, even at low levels. It increases stress levels and prevents the communication and concentration necessary to performing job responsibilities. At high levels, unwanted noise can even cause physical pain and injury: headaches, nausea, and hearing loss. Sudden and unexpected noises can cause accidents.

Fortunately, many workplaces recognize noise as an occupational hazard, and employers use guidelines designed to keep sound levels below a decibel range that could cause hearing damage. (A decibel is a mathematical unit that measures the intensity or loudness of a sound.) Sound levels in most offices are kept in the 45-60 decibel range. Sounds at this level include a conversation or the humming from an air conditioner.

Decibel levels in the 90-100 range are considered risks if people are exposed to them for extended periods. Examples of sounds at this range include noise from a heavy vehicle or a pneumatic drill. Decibel levels in the 120-140 range can cause pain and hearing damage.

Sources of Noise in the Office
Offices are filled with many sounds. Most come from office equipment such as telephones, photocopiers, and computers, or from mechanical equipment such as ventilations systems. Many sound sources can be reduced with minor adjustments. Others, such as the hum from the ventilation system, may require major alterations.

Equipment-generated noise is usually short and not too loud. However, noise sensitivity varies from person to person. Someone trying to work at their desk may be annoyed by all the "noise" you're making as you print out reports from the nearby photocopy machine.

Other office noise is considered occupant-generated. Such noise comes from co-workers. For some employees, it can be extremely bothersome. Examples include loud telephone conversations, radios, and loud movement. Sometimes, this kind of noise can be dealt with by a friendly reminder.

Tips for a Quieter Workplace
Follow these guidelines to help keep unwanted noise down at your office:

• Encourage people to speak in lowered voices and hold conversations where they won't disturb others.
• Purchase high-quality office equipment that functions with little noise.
• Some types of equipment, such as photocopiers, will produce a lot of noise no matter what model you buy; install such equipment away from workstations.
• Don't place noisy equipment against a hard wall or in a corner; the sound will be reflected back into the workplace.
• Maintain equipment and furniture to prevent noise (e.g., squeaking chairs, moving equipment parts).
• Identify all of the noise sources in the office and fix or remove them.
• Furnish walls, ceilings, and other large surfaces with sound absorptive materials.
• Use office dividers to reduce or redirect sound away from workstations.
• Ask employees to be considerate of others when playing music.