How can employers reduce noise levels in the workplace?

Employers can reduce noise levels in the workplace primarily through engineering controls and providing personal protective equipment. Engineering controls involve modifications to equipment or the work environment to minimize noise at the source. This may include using sound-absorbing materials, soundproofing work areas, or utilizing machinery designed to operate more quietly.

In addition, personal protective equipment, such as earplugs or earmuffs, can help protect employees from excessive noise exposure when engineering controls alone are insufficient to reduce noise to acceptable levels. This combination of strategies not only addresses the immediate noise issue but also contributes to long-term hearing conservation, promoting a safer workplace.

Options that mention frequent breaks, office furniture, or employee wages do not directly address the root causes of noise in the environment or provide a long-term solution for mitigating its effects on hearing health.