New Noise Protection Requirements Extended to Ontario Workplaces
The Ontario Ministry of Labour recently extended noise protection requirements to all workplaces covered under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Workplaces covered under the new Noise Regulations include construction sites, health care facilities, schools, farming operations, fire services, police services and amusement parks.
The new regulation, which will come into effect on July 1, 2016, aims to protect workers from noise-induced hearing loss.
Specifically, the new regulation does the following:
- Places limits on the length of time workers are exposed to noise, with a maximum exposure limit of 85 decibels over an eight-hour work shift
- Requires employers to implement preventive workplace controls (introducing safe work practices, engineering controls, etc.) in order to reduce employee exposure to noise
- Requires employers to provide personal protective equipment (like hearing protection devices) and adequate training on its proper usage
In addition, noise protection sections in the Industrial Establishments, Mines and Mining Plants, and Oil and Gas-Offshore regulations have been revoked and are now incorporated into the new Noise Regulations.
The Regulations for Farming Operations was also amended in order to apply the noise regulation to farming operations.
To read the regulation in its entirety, click here.
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