Protecting Your Ears in the Construction Industry

When we think of construction accidents, we typically associate the thoughts with dangers of falling or pinching fingers in heavy machinery. People do not normally think about internal construction injuries, such as a loss of hearing. Yet this is one of the most common injuries that occur in this field of work. The loud noises from heavy machinery can leave ears ringing after a day on the job, and eventually many of these construction workers stop hearing at all. Construction plumbers are very susceptible to this tragic workplace injury. Between 2000 and 2004, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health reports that nearly 300 plumbers claimed that they had lost their hearing from working at a construction site.

Typically, workers lose their hearing because of the power saws, drills, nail guns, and hammers that are running in their ears every day, The University of Washington conducted a study which shows that most plumbers don’t even wear hearing protection, such as sound cancelling earmuffs or earplugs when they are working. Even those who constantly work around noisy equipment did not make a habit of wearing protective ear ware. There are certainly options available for construction workers who want to protect their ears. Unfortunately, some construction companies fail to provide these important accessories for their workers, and instead encourage them to buy them themselves.

Because many workers don’t want to spend money, they will avoid putting protective hearing in place. In the end though, they will end up paying thousands in medical bills as they try to recover their hearing. In addition to wearing protective ear equipment, there are a variety of other ways to protect your hearing at a construction site. Construction bosses should buy quieter machinery models if possible and place noisy equipment as far from the work zone as is possible.

As well, plumbers and other construction workers should attend annual hearing tests to make sure that their hearing is not deteriorating, and should be trained as to how to handle noise exposure. If you have lost your hearing on the job, contact a Miami construction accident lawyer to help you fight for damages. You deserve worker’s compensation for your medical bills and suffering!