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Workers can usually be protected from excessive noise exposure through the use of personal protective equipment such as ear muffs and ear plugs.

Studies have linked noise levels to increases in workplace accidents due to impeded employee concentration, increased fatigue, and other symptoms that interfere with workers’ ability to exercise effective safety behaviors and recognize potential hazards.

The 85 db limit is the standard occupational limit and is based on guidance provided by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).Īmbient noise can negatively affect worker health by acting as a source of workplace stress. Other occupational safety agencies, such as the Federal Railroad Administration, also prescribe noise exposure standards. These include a maximum permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 85 decibels (dB) per eight-hour-time-weighted average (TWA) and a maximum exposure of 115 dB per 15-minute period. In the United States, workers are protected from exposure to damaging levels of ambient noise by OSHA’s noise exposure limits. The strength of ambient noise levels within a given environment can have significant health and safety implications.