Construction workers are exposed to many types of hazards on the job: falling objects, trip hazards, heavy equipment, and more. A sometimes underrated risk of construction work is more subtle: hearing damage.
According to a new study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), nearly a quarter of construction workers have some degree of hearing loss. The consequences for workers’ quality of life can be significant, so it’s important to understand the need for ear protection and noise control in the construction industry.
Breaking down the study results
The NIOSH study examined data from over 1.3 million workers nationwide who had their hearing tested at least once between 2010 and 2019. Nearly 27,000 of those workers were employed in the construction industry. Of those 27,000, 23% had hearing loss, significantly above the 20% average across all industries.
Certain construction sub-sectors had particularly high rates of hearing loss, including:
- Highway, street, and bridge construction – 28%
- Site preparation contractors – 26%
- New single-family housing construction (except operative builders) – 25%
- Oil and gas pipeline and related structures construction – 25%
- Other building finishing contractors – 25%
Causes of hearing loss in the construction industry
- Noise exposure: As anyone who has ever been on or near a construction site can attest, construction work is loud. Construction workers are exposed to noise from running equipment and power tools, demolition, and other activities. Over time, the cumulative noise exposure can cause hearing loss.
- Ototoxic exposure: Ototoxins are poisonous chemicals that damage the ear. Common ototoxic chemicals on construction sites include carbon monoxide (found in exhaust from vehicles and equipment), toluene (a component in gasoline), benzene (found in emissions as well as plastics, rubber, and dyes), and many others.
- Traumatic hearing loss: Sometimes, a construction accident can cause immediate hearing loss, either due to an extremely loud noise (such as an explosion) or direct damage to the ear itself.
Protecting construction workers from hearing loss
Construction site owners and managers need to take steps to prevent hearing loss among workers. That may include providing ear protection and other personal protective equipment to limit noise exposure. It may also include using quieter equipment and keeping vehicles and tools well-maintained and well-lubricated so they make less noise. Construction employers should also rotate workers in and out of noisy areas to limit the amount of hearing damage to any one worker.
Unfortunately, too often, safety is not the top priority. The consequences can be life-changing, affecting victims’ ability to work as well as their quality and enjoyment of life. That’s why we fight so hard for accountability.
Legal options for New York construction workers with hearing loss
If you sustained hearing loss on the job at a construction site, you may have legal recourse. In addition to workers’ compensation, if your hearing loss was caused by someone other than your direct employer, such as a general contractor, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer, you can file a personal injury claim. In addition to paying for hearing tests, hearing aids, and other medical expenses, such a claim can cover your pain and suffering, lost quality of life, loss of earning capacity, and other costs related to your hearing loss.
The key is to get an experienced attorney on your side as soon as possible. Contact us today to speak with a construction accident lawyer at Keogh Crispi, P.C.
We have a strong track record of results for injured New York construction workers, including a $5 million recovery for a construction site security guard with a brain injury.
"I met Mr. Pat Crispi through a co-worker who had a construction accident. I as well had a construction accident. Mr. Crispi was extremely pleasant and sympathetic to my needs. He got me the results I never expected. — Marc S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐