Some industries expose workers to more noise than others. Federal regulations require businesses in these industries to monitor noise levels, provide annual audiometric testing for employees, and take other safety precautions to protect them from noise-related injuries.
However, businesses in the oil and gas extraction industry are exempt from these regulations.
Despite this exemption, dangerous noise levels that may result in hearing loss are a known risk in the oil and gas extraction industry. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- In 1998, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimated that about 23 percent of oil and gas extraction professionals were exposed to potentially dangerous noise levels above 85 dBA at least once a week during approximately 90 percent of the weeks they worked each year.
- In 2009, the NIOSH Occupational Hearing Loss Surveillance project found that about 76 percent of mining, oil, and gas extraction workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels.
- In 2016, it was estimated that almost one-quarter of all mining, oil, and gas extraction workers have noise-related hearing injuries, with about 12 percent having hearing difficulties and about 11 percent having tinnitus.
In 2018, NIOSH identified a need to get more information about noise in the oil and gas extraction industries. The agency recognized that equipment and work practices have changed over the last 20 years, but the noise impact of these changes hasn't been independently evaluated.
While noise exposure is a known risk, hearing loss and tinnitus aren't inevitable. Hearing loss may be prevented if employers:
- Provide workers with appropriate hearing protection, such as earplugs.
- Make sure hearing protection fits and employees are trained on how to use it.
- Rotate workers to different positions to minimize noise exposure.
- Provide annual hearing testing for employees so problems are identified quickly.
You should get immediate medical attention if you notice any signs of noise-induced hearing loss, including:
- Ringing or pressure in your ears
- Difficulty hearing
- Speaking loudly
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Recoveries
You have the right to a financial recovery for any work-related injury, but getting the compensation you deserve can be a complicated and frustrating process. If you suffer tinnitus or hearing loss from occupational noise-exposure, please call Steven M. Lee, PC today to schedule a free consultation about your rights and potential recovery.
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The Risk of Hearing Loss for Oil and Gas Extraction Workers
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