Scout's Toolbox Talks

Construction sites are loud — and over time, that noise can cause permanent hearing loss, even if you’re used to it.

Why It Matters:

Hearing damage doesn’t happen all at once. Repeated exposure to high-decibel environments can gradually destroy hearing, and once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back. OSHA requires hearing protection when noise levels exceed 85 dB over an 8-hour shift.

Key Points:

• Many power tools, saws, generators, and heavy equipment exceed 100 dB.
• If you need to raise your voice to talk to someone 3 feet away, it’s too loud.
• Symptoms of damage include ringing ears, muffled sounds, or difficulty hearing speech.
• Permanent hearing loss affects communication, job performance, and quality of life.
• The effects of noise exposure can accumulate over time — protect your ears now.

✅ You can’t “tough out” hearing loss — prevention is the only protection.

Ask the Crew:

• Do you know which tasks or tools are exposing you to high noise levels?
• Have you ever noticed ringing or muffled hearing after a shift?

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