This technical bulletin provides information regarding how heat is typically present in the workplace while noise is present.
Background
Heat and noise often go hand in hand as workplace hazards due to both being produced by the same sources. Examples of sources include heavy machinery, engines, and industrial processes. These environments generate high temperatures and loud sounds simultaneously, increasing the risk of heat stress and hearing loss.
Regulatory Compliance
- 95: OSHA Occupational Noise Exposure
- Section 5(a)(1):
Examples
Below are some of the industries that commonly experience heat and noise related exposures together:
- Metal Foundries and Steel Mills
- Noise sources: Heavy Machinery, furnace blowers, casting equipment
- Heat sources: Molten Metal, furnaces, and hot surfaces
- Hazards: High noise levels and extreme radiant heat; risk of burns and hearing damage
- Construction Sites
- Noise Source: Jackhammers, bulldozers, drills, and cranes.
- Heat Source: Sun exposure, asphalt work, equipment engines.
- Hazards: Heat stress, dehydration, and noise-induced hearing loss.
- Manufacturing Plants (e.g., automotive or glass production)
- Noise Source: Presses, assembly lines, robotic arms.
- Heat Source: Welding, high-speed machinery, heat-generating processes.
- Hazards: Prolonged exposure to moderate-to-high heat and noise.
Risk Mitigation Strategies
Heat:
Some of the commonly used mitigation strategies for reducing heat exposures in the workplace are the following:
- Engineering controls – Air conditioning and ventilation, , reflective shields and insulation, and localized cooling fans.
- Administrative controls – Work-Rest Schedules, acclimatization, hydration, and training
- Personal Protective Equipment – Cooling vests, lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothing, reflective clothing
Noise:
Some of the commonly used mitigation strategies for reducing noise exposures in the workplace are the following:
- Elimination – Eliminating that process
- Engineering controls – implementation of quieter machinery or introduction of barriers
- Administrative controls – implementation of a Hearing Conservation Program, job rotation to lower noise areas
Conclusion
It is important to investigate and mitigate heat and noise hazards if one or the other is present in the work environment. When one is present the other can be as well.
References
“1910.95 – Occupational Noise Exposure.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, www.osha.gov/laws‑regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.95. Accessed 14 July 2025.
“Heat Exposure Standards.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/standards. Accessed 14 July 2025.
