What does the Working Conditions Act say about noise in the workplace?

Dutch legislation is clear about noise in the workplace. In article 6.8 of the Working Conditions Decree describes what employers must do to protect employees against hearing damage.

From 80 decibels (dB (A)), action must be taken. So sound doesn't have to be extremely loud to be harmful. The peak load and the duration of exposure both count.

From how many dB is hearing protection mandatory?

The legal limit is 85 dB (A). Will that noise level be exceeded? Then wearing hearing protection is mandatory. But employers must make hearing protection available from as little as 80 dB (A). The risk of hearing damage must also be recorded in the risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E).

To give an idea of those levels:

• 60 dB (A) = normal conversation
• 80 dB (A) = busy road
• 85 dB (A) = lawnmower or chain saw
• 100 dB (A) = forklift, grinder or concrete mixer
• 120 dB (A) = pain threshold in adults

The risk often lies not in one short peak, but in prolonged exposure to a “just a little too high” level. Would you like to know more about what the Working Conditions Act says about the maximum number of DBs? Then also check out this detailed article about hearing protection and the Working Conditions Act.

When do you choose customized hearing protection?

In many cases, standard earplugs or earmuffs offer sufficient protection. But they don't always fit properly, are not comfortable, or are not used properly. Tailored hearing protection is then a better choice. Especially if you work in noise for a long time, or when communication is important.

Customized hearing protection is particularly suitable for daily exposure to noise above 85 dB (A). Customization also offers a comfortable and reliable solution in work situations where communication is important or where standard caps are uncomfortable or do not close enough. It provides optimal protection without sacrificing comfort or speech intelligibility.

Customized hearing protection is a suitable choice in the following situations:

• When exposed to noise levels above 85 dB (A) every day
• When standard hearing protection is uncomfortable or does not close enough
• In work environments where communication remains important
• When certainty is required about the fit and damping effect

Otoplastics are shaped exactly to your ear canal. As a result, they are comfortable, close better and you can opt for filters that still let speech through.

Why is it important to work on it now?

Hearing damage is often only noticeable when it is too late. It starts with a ringing in your ear or tired hearing, and sometimes ends in permanent hearing loss. The Working Conditions Act requires employers to ensure a safe working environment. But as an employee, you also have the responsibility to wear hearing protection when necessary.

Well-protected ears not only reduce damage, but also provide more comfort and less fatigue during the working day.