Workers in the construction industry tend to be a hardy lot – not prone to complaining about working conditions. While this may show a commendable work ethic, it may also lead to serious injuries down the road. Injuries from long-term exposure to noise are a perfect example of the type of injury that construction workers commonly suffer in silence.

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, approximately 30 million people throughout the United States are occupationally exposed to hazardous noise each year. OSHA has listed noise exposure injuries among the most common work-related health concerns for over two decades. Statistics released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics tell us that 125,000 workers have suffered significant hearing loss as a result of workplace noise since 2004. In one year alone (2009) 21,000 workers reported occupational hearing loss.

Workers in the construction industry are particularly susceptible to long-term hearing loss. Many construction jobs expose workers to daily noise at significantly high levels from a multitude of machinery. Unfortunately, hearing loss from long-term exposure to high noise levels cannot be corrected by surgery or hearing aids.

Effects, Signs of Hearing Loss

According to OSHA, prolonged exposure to high noise levels can:

• Create physical and psychological stress
• Interfere with concentration and communication
• Reduce productivity
• Contribute to workplace accidents because warnings signals are not heard
• Decrease a worker’s ability to hear high frequency sounds and understand speech

Although it is impossible to create a quiet construction site, it is critical for a worker to know the signs of an unacceptably loud workplace.

According to OSHA, if you experience any of the following signs, noise exposure may be a problem at your work site:

• You hear ringing or humming in your ears when you leave work.
• You have to shout to be heard by a coworker an arm’s length away.
• You experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work.

OSHA safety rules address noise standards that should be adhered to at all workplaces, including a construction work site  If you are concerned that your employer is violating the OSHA noise standards, you can file a complaint with OSHA and ask that the work site be inspected.

If you have been injured as a result of a New York construction accident you could be entitled to third-party compensation in lieu of, or in addition to, workers’ compensation. With numerous different companies working at the same site, there is a chance that someone other than your own employer may have contributed to your injuries. Contact the New York/New Jersey construction accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd to find out about your legal options. With seven offices in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 or fill out our online contact form for your free consultation.