Sound levels regulatory initiative – summary of changes
Issue
Research has shown that loud noise in the workplace can negatively affect employee health. The current rules on workplace noise are not up-to-date and do not follow the most recent safety standards. The Labour Program is proposing to make changes to these rules, as outlined in Canada Gazette, Part I. We are looking for your comments.
Goal
The goal of this initiative is to better protect the health and safety of employees by:
- reducing the chance of hearing loss
- making language clearer in workplace health and safety regulations; and,
- requiring workplaces to follow the newest safety standards
Proposed changes
The Labour Program is proposing changes to six regulations so that employees are protected from the effects of loud noise.
The regulations that would be changed are the following:
- Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
- Aviation Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
- Maritime Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
- On Board Trains Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
- Oil and Gas Occupational Safety and Health Regulations
- Administrative Monetary Penalties (Canada Labour Code) Regulations
The following list is a summary of the proposed changes.
Maximum noise
The maximum average noise limit would be changed to 85 dBA.
Hearing loss prevention program
- Employers would have to implement a hearing loss prevention program if workplace noise is higher than the allowed limit
- Employers would have to evaluate this program every year
- Employers would have to keep records of the evaluation for 10 years
Hearing tests
- Employers would have to give employees hearing tests every year if workplace noise is higher than the allowed limit
- Employers would have to review the results of the hearing tests with their policy committee
- Employers would have to give employees a copy of their test results
- Employers would have to keep a copy of the test results for 20 years
Hearing protectors
Employers would have to train employees on how to use hearing protectors.
Hazard investigation
Employers would have to do a hazard investigation if noise in the workplace is higher than 82 dBA.
Report to Head of Compliance and Enforcement
Employers would no longer have to submit an annual report to the Head of Compliance and Enforcement.
Safety standards
All the safety standards that are mentioned in the noise provisions of the workplace health and safety regulations would be updated to the most recent safety standards.
Administrative Monetary Penalties (Canada Labour Code) Regulations
Schedule 1 of these regulations would be changed to add violations and appropriate classification for the new rules that are being introduced.
How can I contribute
Learn how to comment on the most recently published proposed regulations.
Provide comments on Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made under the Canada Labour Code (Sound Levels)
Contact us
ESDC - Labour Program
165 Hôtel-de-Ville Street
Gatineau, QC J8X 4C2
Email: EDSC.LAB.SST.POLITIQUES-LAB.OHS.POLICY.ESDC@labour-travail.gc.ca