Need to prevent hearing loss in the workplace

The Star

3 days ago

WE OFTEN read about workplace accidents, the sudden, dramatic incidents that lead to injuries or even death.
But what about the quiet dangers, the ones that slowly chip away at our health over time, often without a whisper until it's too late?
A recent report from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) has uncovered a startling truth about workplace health in 2023 that calls for immediate attention from decision-makers, employers and workers.
The DOSM's 'National Occupational Injury and Disease Statistics for the year 2023' gives us a detailed look at safety across our workplaces.
While the report noted a 13.8% jump in overall occupational injuries, the real concern, often overlooked, is occupational diseases.
These aren't sudden injuries; instead, they're health issues that develop gradually from repeated exposure to hazardous substances or unsafe working conditions.
And the numbers are shocking. Out of more than 8,000 cases of occupational diseases and poisoning recorded in 2023, a staggering 82.8%, were occupational noise-related hearing disorders.
This means some Malaysians are slowly losing their hearing because of their jobs.
It's a tragic and, most importantly, often preventable outcome.
Why does this happen? The simple answer lies in the nature of these long-term conditions.
Unlike a broken arm from a fall, noise-induced hearing loss creeps up on you.
The constant hum of machinery, the relentless impact of a hammer or the continuous whine of equipment gradually damages the delicate parts of the ear.
Because the effect isn't immediate, it's easy for employers and employees to overlook this creeping danger until the damage is severe and, sadly, irreversible.
Many decision-makers, understandably focused on preventing immediate injuries and deaths, might accidentally neglect these long-term health risks.
You can often see workers on a construction site operating impact hammers or drills, powerful tools that blast out ear-splitting noise.
Yet, how often do we see these workers consistently wearing proper hearing protection?
Or what about the grasscutters, often seen working for local councils, using loud machines like lawn mowers?
You have to wonder if the screening and safety requirements are clearly spelt out in their contracts for such high-noise activities.
These are clear instances where the long-term, quiet threat of noise exposure isn't given the attention it deserves.
There doesn't seem to be enough visible enforcement by the authorities in this crucial area.
This situation demands urgent attention from industry leaders and government bodies.
We must actively protect our workforce from this silent threat.
Employers and those in charge need to embrace change as if these workers are their loved ones.
Here's what needs to happen:
• Monitor the noise. Companies must regularly measure noise levels in all work areas. They also need to check how much noise individual employees are exposed to, making sure they're not going over safe limits.
• Prevent at source. The best solution is always to reduce noise where it starts. This means investing in quieter machines, using sound-absorbing materials in workplaces and isolating noisy processes from other areas.
• Protect our ears. When noise can't be eliminated, providing and strictly enforcing the consistent use of appropriate hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs is vital.
• Regular check-ups. Employees who work in noisy environments should get regular hearing tests (audiometric testing). This helps catch any signs of hearing loss early, allowing for quick action.
• Reassign if needed. If an employee is found to have hearing damage related to their work, moving them to a less noisy role is crucial to prevent further harm.
The 2023 DOSM report is a stark wake-up call. It's time to move past just counting injuries and fatalities and confront the growing crisis of occupational diseases, especially noise-induced hearing loss.
By taking proactive steps, investing in proper prevention and ensuring consistent enforcement, we can create safer, healthier workplaces for all, ensuring that no one loses their ability to hear just by doing their job.
CHIN YEW SIN
Shah Alam