A
Acoustic – Relating to sound or the sense of hearing.
Administrative Controls – Work practices or policies designed to reduce employee exposure to hazards (e.g., rotating shifts to limit noise exposure).
Audiogram – A chart that shows the results of a hearing test, used to monitor hearing ability over time.
Audiometric Testing – A test to measure hearing sensitivity, often required for employees exposed to high noise levels.
B
Baseline Audiogram – The initial hearing test that future audiograms are compared to for detecting hearing loss.
Bone Conduction – Transmission of sound to the inner ear through the bones of the skull.
C
CSA (Canadian Standards Association) – Organization that sets safety standards for equipment, including hearing protection.
Continuous Noise – Constant, unchanging noise level over time (e.g., machinery hum).
Cumulative Exposure – Total amount of noise a worker is exposed to over time, which contributes to permanent hearing loss.
D
dB (Decibel) – The unit of measurement used to express the intensity of sound.
Dosimeter – A device worn by workers that measures personal exposure to noise over a period of time.
Duration – The length of time an employee is exposed to a particular noise level.
E
Ear Canal – The passage leading from the outer ear to the eardrum.
Ear Muffs – Hearing protection that covers the entire outer ear to reduce noise exposure.
Ear Plugs – Devices inserted into the ear canal to block or reduce noise.
Engineering Controls – Physical modifications to equipment, processes, or environments to reduce noise (e.g., sound barriers, mufflers).
Exposure Limit – The maximum noise level or duration workers can be safely exposed to, as set by OSHA or similar bodies.
F
Frequency – The number of sound vibrations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). High frequencies sound “high-pitched,” while low frequencies sound “deep.”
G
General Duty Clause – Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act requiring employers to maintain a workplace free of recognized hazards, including noise.
H
Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) – An OSHA-required program for workplaces with noise exposure at or above 85 dBA TWA; includes testing, training, and hearing protection.
Hearing Loss – Partial or total inability to hear sound in one or both ears, often permanent when caused by occupational noise.
Hertz (Hz) – The unit used to measure sound frequency (1 Hz = 1 cycle per second).
I
Impulse Noise – Short bursts of loud noise, such as explosions or gunshots, which can cause immediate damage to hearing.
Intensity – The power or loudness of a sound, measured in decibels (dB).
Ionizing Radiation – Energy that can remove tightly bound electrons from atoms; unrelated to sound but a workplace hazard in construction.
J
Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) – A systematic process to identify and control hazards (including noise) associated with specific job tasks.
K
Kilohertz (kHz) – One thousand hertz; a unit used to express higher sound frequencies.
L
Leq (Equivalent Continuous Noise Level) – A measure representing the average sound energy over a period of time.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) – Safety procedure ensuring machinery is properly shut off before maintenance; helps prevent accidental exposure to noise and other hazards.
M
Monitoring – Measuring noise exposure to identify areas or workers at risk.
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) – Injuries affecting muscles or joints; may occur due to vibration or poor ergonomics on construction sites.
N
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) – U.S. agency that conducts research and makes recommendations for workplace safety.
Noise Dosimetry – The measurement of a worker’s total noise exposure during a work shift.
Non-Ionizing Radiation – Radiation such as ultraviolet or infrared that does not remove electrons but can still cause harm.
O
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) – U.S. agency responsible for enforcing workplace safety regulations.
Octave Band – A range of frequencies used to analyze noise characteristics.
P
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards, such as earplugs, earmuffs, or helmets.
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) – The maximum legal noise exposure limit as defined by OSHA (90 dBA for an 8-hour TWA).
Pure Tone Audiometry – A test used to assess a person’s hearing threshold for various frequencies.
Q
Qualitative Fit Test (QFT) – A pass/fail test to ensure hearing protection fits properly, based on the wearer’s perception of sound.
R
Resonance – The amplification of sound vibrations when a frequency matches a system’s natural frequency.
Repetitive Motion Injury – Damage caused by repeated movements, common in construction work.
S
Sound Level Meter (SLM) – Instrument used to measure noise intensity in decibels.
Silica – A common construction hazard; exposure to dust particles can cause respiratory illness.
Standard Threshold Shift (STS) – A change in hearing threshold indicating significant hearing loss.
T
TWA (Time-Weighted Average) – The average noise level over an 8-hour workday.
Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) – Short-term hearing loss after exposure to loud noise, usually reversible with rest.
Tinnitus – A ringing or buzzing sound in the ears caused by prolonged noise exposure.
U
Ultrasound – Sound waves with frequencies above 20,000 Hz, beyond human hearing range.
Unprotected Exposure – Exposure to noise without proper use of hearing protection.
V
Vibration – Oscillating motion that can affect the body (e.g., from power tools), leading to health problems like hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
Ventilation – A control method used to reduce airborne contaminants on construction sites.
W
Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) – Vibration transmitted through the body, often from heavy machinery, causing fatigue and back pain.
Workplace Assessment – Evaluation of potential risks, including noise hazards, to determine necessary controls.
X
X-Ray Radiation – A type of ionizing radiation hazard sometimes present in construction and demolition environments.
Y
Yearly Audiometric Testing – Annual hearing test required for employees exposed to high noise levels to detect early signs of hearing loss.
Z
Zone of Noise Exposure – The area around a sound source where noise levels exceed safe limits and hearing protection is required.
Zero-Harm Policy – A safety philosophy aiming to eliminate all workplace injuries and illnesses, including those caused by noise.