Legislation to protect workers’ hearing
New legislation will force P.E.I. employers to do more to protect workers from hearing loss due to noisy work environments.
The “Noise in the Workplace” rules will cover everything from hearing protection and noise warnings to mandatory hearing tests.
Employers in loud workplaces will have to take official noise readings, post warnings in noise hazardous areas and provide annual hearing tests on-site to every worker.
The rules recognize the effect noise can have on workers, such as upset stomachs and sleep problems, said George Stewart, the director of occupational health and safety division of the provincial Workers Compensation Board.
The legislation comes into effect next October and will bring P.E.I. in line with other Atlantic provinces.
The “Noise in the Workplace” rules will cover everything from hearing protection and noise warnings to mandatory hearing tests.
Employers in loud workplaces will have to take official noise readings, post warnings in noise hazardous areas and provide annual hearing tests on-site to every worker.
The rules recognize the effect noise can have on workers, such as upset stomachs and sleep problems, said George Stewart, the director of occupational health and safety division of the provincial Workers Compensation Board.
The legislation comes into effect next October and will bring P.E.I. in line with other Atlantic provinces.
