Case Study

Safeguarding Hearing Health: Noise Risk Assessment in Malaysia

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Safeguarding Hearing Health

Work related noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the highest reported Occupational Disease in Malaysia. Protecting employees from potential health hazards is paramount, especially when it comes to excessive noise exposure. In Malaysia, the Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 govern the control of noise exposure in workplaces. A pivotal component of managing noise risks is the Noise Risk Assessment (NRA). In this article, we will delve into the significance of NRA in Malaysia and how it safeguards the hearing health of workers.

Understanding Noise Risk Assessment (NRA)

Noise Risk Assessment (NRA) is a fundamental process mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 in Malaysia. Its primary objective is to assess and manage the risks associated with noise exposure in workplaces effectively. NRA helps organizations evaluate the extent of noise exposure their employees are exposed to and ensures that adequate control measures are in place to mitigate these risks.

Key Components of NRA in Malaysia

Identification of Noise Sources. The NRA process begins with identifying excessive noise sources in the workplace. This should be done annually by employers in their workplace through the Appendix 1 of ICOP for Management of Occupational Noise. Once excessive noise have been identified in any work area, a Noise Risk Assessment (NRA) must be done by a DOSH Registered NRA Competent Person. 

  1. Noise Exposure Measurement. NRA involves measuring noise levels at various locations within the workplace. 
  2. Worker Exposure Assessment. NRA assesses the extent of individual worker exposure to noise, taking into account the nature of their tasks, the duration of exposure, and the adequacy of hearing protection.
  3. Control Measures. Based on the NRA findings, control measures are recommended to minimize or eliminate exposure to excessive noise. These measures often include elimination, substitution,  engineering controls, administrative controls, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hearing protection devices.
  4. Regular Monitoring and Review. The NRA requires an annual review of its accuracy to ensure that control measures remain effective and adapt to changes in work processes or noise sources. If there are no changes in the nature of operations, each NRA is valid for no longer than 5 years.

Significance of NRA in Malaysia

NRA serves several critical purposes in Malaysia’s OSH framework:

  1. Legal Compliance –  Compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 is mandatory. 
  2. Protection against NIHL : NRA plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the hearing health of employees. It helps minimize the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and other auditory health issues.
  3. Enhanced Workplace Safety: By effectively controlling noise exposure, NRA significantly contributes to a safer working environment, reducing the risk of hearing-related occupational injuries or illnesses.

Expert Guidance for NRA in Malaysia

Our DOSH Registered Noise Risk Assessors can provide comprehensive NRA services. We can assist organisations in:

  • Identifying and categorising noise sources.
  • Measuring and assessing noise exposure levels.
  • Recommending effective control measures.
  • Ensuring ongoing compliance and periodic review of the NRA.
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