Tarmac's Report to Society - Health
Noise reduction in Tarmac Iberia
Historically, employees in heavy industries that use noisymachinery have faced the potential threat of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) as a result of prolonged exposure to high levels of noise. At Tarmac, one of our key health priorities is to prevent the occurrence of any new cases of NIHL - and to prevent the worsening of any existing cases (which workers may have contracted outside our business).
Tarmac Iberia has been taking a proactive approach to this issue by using 3-D computer visualisation technology to conduct advanced noise studies at six quarries across Spain. Taking place throughout 2006 and 2007, we commissioned a specialist in acoustic engineering to carry out the studies, which simulate the exact dimensions and sources of noise to produce a 3-D noise map of each site (see image above).
Using these 3-D noise maps, the exposure of workers to different levels of noise at different areas in each site was analysed and the impact of various noise prevention measures assessed. As a result, a Noise Reduction Action Plan has been put in place across each of these sites, which includes actions like moving control cabins that are near crushing areas, adjusting walkways so that they also avoid noisy areas and roll-out of personalised ear protection, using ear-moulds specific to each worker, to all colleagues at potential risk.
Across the Tarmac Group, we continue to monitor the prevalence of NIHL across our workforce and to look for effective measures to combat this risk.
Read Tarmac's Health and Safety Policy
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