Some headsetss may not have adjustable volume controls and are set at high volume levels. In some workplaces the general office background noise levels can be very high and the volume for the headsetsexpress.ca/product_info.php?cPath=5_25&products_id=177″ title=”CS 50 USB Computer headsetss”>Headsets will be adjusted louder still. This is a problem as the levels of noise going into the ear from the headsetss can be higher than the first or second action level in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations. Therefore their continued use is likely to damage hearing over a period of time and is a breach of these regulations. It is known that industry standard headphones can and do breach the regulations. To avoid this employers should tackle the general noise levels in the office by using screens, booths etc. Employers should then require the manufacturers of headsetss to provide them with noise level details of their headsetss, and employers should choose accordingly.

Another noise phenomenon in Headsets is “acoustic shock”, where the wearer is exposed to short but very loud bursts of noise which can temporarily or permanently damage the wearer’s hearing. It is also reported as being very painful to receive. The CWU has over 80 compensation cases pending and BT has already paid out $93,000 to one worker. Some of the better headsetss now have acoustic shock protection built right in.

To prevent this occurring checks must be made on the system used before installation and regularly during use to ensure these peaks are not being broadcast. Workers should report all incidents in the accident book to ensure a true picture of the problem at the workplace is recorded and the statistics should be made available to safety reps and workers.

Noise limiters can be put on the system to deal with both the above problems. However, they must not be easy for the worker to disable, as in noisy offices there may be a need to go over safe limits. Again, tackle the noise at source and reduce office noise so the system does not have to be disabled.

Headset Express