Noise pollution can be described as intrusive noise that disrupts and distracts people and thereby prevents normal functioning. Noise pollution is everywhere and can also be found in offices.

Workplace noise

When talking of noise pollution in the workplace, many of us will think of assembly lines or construction sites rather than regular offices. However, these days more people are packed into busy office spaces and office noise is becoming a common complaint. Co-workers who talk, drum their fingers on the desk, have loud telephone conversations or cause other distracting noises can decrease the productivity of those around them without realising it.

Negative effects of noise pollution

Many studies have been done to study the effects of noise pollution on health and wellness, and the results have shown that noise pollution can negatively impact you in the following ways:

    • Productivity. Research proves that noise can be distracting. People working in noisy office environments have been found to be less motivated and to have higher stress levels.
    • Health. Perhaps the most serious problem created by noise pollution is the impact it has on your health. Because sound pollution can trigger the body’s stress response, noise pollution has also been linked with health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
    • Loss of sleep. At home, noise pollution can also influence sleep quality by disrupting sleep cycles and even preventing sleep, resulting in tiredness and lack of concentration.
    • Hearing loss. Excessive noise levels over a long period of time will damage your hearing. The degree of hearing loss depends on the loudness of the noise and the level of exposure. Some people exposed to excessive noise develop tinnitus. For most cases of noise-induced hearing loss, there is no cure.

Reducing noise exposure in the workplace

Occupational health and safety officers can offer advice and information on reducing noise in the workplace. Noise levels should be regularly monitored, employees who may be affected identified and work practices continuously improved to keep noise in the workplace at a low level.

If possible, noisy equipment should be run early or late in the day when fewer people will be exposed or, if possible, located to a more isolated area or soundproof room. Workers exposed to loud noises should wear hearing protection such as ear plugs or ear muffs.

 

Sources
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
http://stress.about.com