The Impact of Occupational Noise on the Workers. Romanian and EU Legislation

Abstract

Noise is most obviously a problem in industries such as manufacturing, mining and construction but it can also be an issue in a wide range of other working environments like energy, transports, call centers, schools, orchestra pits, bars and restaurants, entertainment. At the same time, the noise pollution is an element with a very important influence on the human life: in rezidential areas, schools, public institutions, hospitals, entertainment areas). About the impact of the noise at work, one in five of Europe’s workers has to raise their voices to be heard for at least half of the time that they are at work and 7% suffer from work-related hearing difficulties. The most well-known effect of noise at work is loss of hearing, a problem observed among handworkers from beginning of 18-th century. Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common reported occupational disease in the European Union. However, it can also ex-acerbate stress and increase the risk of accidents. Exposure to noise at work can harm workers’ health. This article describes the effects of workplace noise and outlines the key issues surrounding noise at work, including the risks, legal responsibilities and solutions.