Employers have the responsibility to issue the correct hearing protection equipment to their employees. If employees are exposed to noise at 80 decibels or above this level then your employer must have personal hearing protectors. They should provide it where extra protection is needed even with noise control regulations are in place, but not as a replacement for noise control.

Employers have to:

• Provide ear protection if employees ask for it and if noise exposure is between the upper and lower levels
• Identify hearing protection zones – where protection is required
• Provide employees with training about how to use their hearing protectors
• Ensure that protection is used