Why do employers have to reduce noise at the source when workers can wear hearing protectors?
The various types of hearing protectors (earmuffs, ear plugs, semi-inserts) are not the best forms of protection because they rely on individual workers being able and willing to use the equipment correctly. Failure to wear the hearing protectors correctly 100% of the time in excessive noise will significantly decrease the effective protection. Their effectiveness is also reliant on their condition and whether they fit correctly, which is particularly difficult if other protective equipment also needs to be worn. They can also fail or be inefficient without this being visibly obvious. For all these reasons, hearing protectors are regarded as a last resort risk reduction measure, to be used only when all other practicable steps to reduce excessive noise have been taken.
