Industrial Noise Pollution: Why Your Distribution Centre Must Act Now!

It’s no surprise that many distribution site managers want to reduce industrial noise pollution. Noise pollution crushes efficiency and productivity, and tight laws govern safe warehouse noise levels.

What Is Noise Pollution?

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, noise pollution has a legal definition. It is “sound which is unwanted, either because of its effects on humans, its effect on fatigue or malfunction of physical equipment, or its interference with the perception or detection of other sounds.” Most commonly, noise pollution comes from machinery and equipment, although any unwanted sound can be considered as noise pollution.

Why Does Noise Pollution In The Workplace Matter?

There are many reasons why noise pollution is important. Many of these relate to the physical health of employees. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states seven negative health effects that result from noise pollution. These range from loss of hearing, poor sleep, and heart problems, and include broader psychological issues. In particular, people who are already on-edge psychologically might be tipped over by noise pollution, resulting in fights breaking out in the workplace. This has led researchers to state that the effects of industrial noise pollution have the same impact on health and wellbeing as chronic stress.

Can Noise Pollution Affect Warehouse Productivity?

Due to the major health and psychological impacts of noise pollution, it is bad news for workplace productivity. Whole books have been written about how noise pollution reduces employee concentration, makes workers distracted, and leads to a very unproductive workplace. Companies with a noise pollution problem often find their careful strategies for enhanced growth are drowned out by the negative effects of unwanted sound.

Can Noise Pollution Effect Warehouse Safety And Efficiency?

The effects of industrial noise pollution are more extensive than affecting health and productivity. Noise can also add multiple barriers to safety and efficiency. For example, when there is too much noise, workers cannot communicate effectively. Additionally, if the effect of industrial noise pollution means that the warehouse is too noisy, employees may not be able to hear alarms, signals, and other vital warnings. As such, noise pollution can be considered a significant health and safety hazard.

What Does The Legislation Say About Industrial Noise Pollution?

The major legislation relating to warehouse noise pollution is the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. This specifically states that workers must be protected from any “excessive noise.” The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets this at 80 dB(A). This level includes all noise in the warehouse, including industrial machinery, fans, heating systems, and conversations. Sounds such as castors rattling and jangling on a concrete floor can be a major contributor to an already noisy space, easily pushing warehouses over the legal noise target. This can lead to workers developing conditions such as tinnitus or losing their hearing.

How Can Rolltek And Quiet Mark Help?

Rolltek provides Quiet Mark products that are specially designed to reduce industrial noise pollution. An independent global certification programme, Quiet Mark’s main duties are scientific testing, assessment, and approval of acoustic design. For wheels and trolleys, the main elements are low-noise castors and plastic roll-cage components, although Quiet Mark products also incorporate features such as shock-absorption for the quietest experience possible.

Download Our Catalogue

Explore our Rolltek catalogue to discover innovative, noise-reducing industrial-grade wheels designed to enhance workplace productivity and safety. Our Quiet Mark certified products undergo rigorous testing to ensure top-notch acoustic performance.