How to Prevent Noise Pollution in Construction? 8 Tips to Soundproof

Millions of people are impacted by the invisible threat of noise pollution every day. Noise pollution may come in many different forms, from noisy rock concerts to heavy traffic on the highways. 

One such category is noise pollution associated with construction, which can lead to a variety of risks, including elevated blood pressure in adults and disruption to the routines of local wildlife.

So how to prevent noise pollution in construction?

Though it is a real issue, there are several methods to lessen the noise pollution at your work site. Scroll down to get the details!

How to prevent noise pollution from construction?

Noise Levels of Common Construction Activities

The recommended occupational exposure limit set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is 85 decibels (dBA), which is the unit of measurement used to quantify sound intensity. 

Extended exposure to noise levels of 85 dBA or above can harm ears and raise the risk of hearing loss.

To manage and mitigate the possible impact of construction activities, it is important to comprehend the noise levels that these activities create.

Let’s look at the average exposure levels (dBA) and loudest tasks of 6 common construction trades, according to the American National Standards Institute:

Why Noise Reduction Matters on Construction Sites

High volumes of noise are produced by the heavy machinery, tools, and equipment that are constantly in motion on construction sites. This much loudness creates problems such as:

• Community Relations: Because construction sites are close to residential or commercial areas, noise issues may cause complaints and disputes with nearby residents.

• Worker Health and Safety: Construction workers' health and well-being can be negatively impacted by prolonged exposure to loud noise, which can lead to hearing damage and other health problems.

It is important to control noise pollution on construction sites

• Regulatory Compliance: There are stringent noise rules in many areas, and breaking them can result in fines and delays to projects.

• Productivity: Loud noises can hinder communication between construction workers, which can result in mistakes and lower productivity.

How to Prevent Noise Pollution in Construction?

Wonder how to prevent construction noise? You may reduce the amount of noise pollution from construction sites in many ways. 

Here are several strategies for limiting noise pollution, ranging from optimizing equipment on the construction site to using hearing protection products.

How to reduce noise pollution in construction sites?

Eliminate loud noise before work begins

Taking noise into account during the project design process is one of the greatest ways to prevent noise pollution construction sites. 

This can be done by selecting equipment with lower noise levels and implementing engineering controls before beginning work as follows:

• Replace metal tables, wheels, and other metal pieces with rubber.

• Select less loud equipment for certain tasks; hydraulically powered equipment is generally quieter than pneumatically powered equipment.

• Optimize current equipment by adding acoustical silencers to the exhaust and intake systems.

Eliminate noise in the design stage

Add noise barriers

By blocking the direct path of sound waves from the source of the disturbance, noise barriers can shield the community and employees from exposure to loud noises. 

Although they don't completely stop the noise, they do aid in lowering its volume.

The way noise barriers function is by surrounding the source of the sound with materials that absorb sound, such as mineral wool. Saws and jackhammers are two kinds of machinery to which you may want to build noise barriers.

Use noise barriers on construction sites

Provide hearing protection

Equipping construction workers with ear protection equipment, such as earmuffs and earplugs, is a simple approach to keeping them safe. 

Having these supplies on hand helps protect workers' hearing and keep them safe while working.

Are you curious about what do construction workers wear? Here are some popular products:

• 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protector
• PROHEAR 037 Bluetooth 5.0 Hearing Protection Headphones
• Professional Safety Ear Muffs by Decibel Defense
• Loop Quiet Ear Plugs for Noise Reduction
• Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs

If you want to reduce noise pollution from construction sites while enjoying music or podcasts, then consider getting one from our list of the best earbuds for construction.

Encourage visual communication

On the labor site, excessive noise levels might make it difficult to communicate verbally, which may cause accidents. Thus, encourage the use of visual signals or signs for communication in especially loud areas to cut down on the need for employees to shout.

For example, employees can use hand gestures to convey messages and eye contact to attract the attention of machine operators.

Schedule work

Schedule work to prevent noise pollution in construction

Limiting the number of workers on-site during noisy duties, such as jackhammering or concrete breaking, should be a part of the construction noise control plan to lower the amount of noise that employees are exposed to. 

Reducing the detrimental impacts of noise exposure can also involve moving employees from high-noise work to low-noise.

Update & maintain equipment

One of the best ways to prevent noise pollution in construction sites is to update and maintain equipment frequently.

Equipment can operate more silently and smoothly with routine maintenance. What's more, faulty or worn-out parts may be dangerous and cause extra noise. Purchasing new, quieter equipment can also greatly lower overall noise levels.

Real-time noise monitoring

Real-time noise monitoring

Site managers can keep an eye on noise levels in real-time thanks to noise monitoring technologies. 

With the use of this proactive method, noise hotspots may be quickly identified, allowing for the timely implementation of noise reduction measures before they become an issue.

Educate & train employees

When it comes to how to reduce noise from construction, a lot of methods are available. 

Despite that, training employees on how to properly utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and other noise reduction techniques, as well as educating them on the dangers of extended noise exposure is the most crucial one.

This will enable them to defend against the negative impacts of noise for both themselves and their colleagues. 

OSHA's pocket reference on noise pollution is one example of educational material that might help encourage good practices and increase awareness.

It is important to educate workers about noise pollution

Read next: Best jobsite earbuds for noisy and rough working environment