Exposure of pregnant workers to high noise levels can affect the unborn child and have a later effect on hearing ability particularly with regard to low frequency exposure.

Prolonged exposure such as a standard shift in an industrial workplace, when sound levels may exceed 90 decibels (about as loud as a lawnmower or chainsaw) increases the odds of the unborn child suffering some hearing loss, as well as the mother experience an increase in blood pressure and tiredness. Excessive noise can also increase the risk of premature delivery and low-birth-weight children.

Employer Responsibility

Employers are required to assess what kind of noise, the extent and the duration of exposure pregnant workers may face to noise and where there is a health and safety risk to the worker or the pregnancy, the employer must adjust working conditions of the worker to avoid exposure.

It must be noted that personal protective equipment (PPE) will not protect an unborn child from physical harm.

Other Noise Induced Hearing Risks

Ototoxic Chemicals and Noise
Tinnitus at Work

Contact Us

If you believe your workplace require a Noise at Work Survey and Audiometric Testing, contact Noise at Work Consultancy today, call us on 01905 319 641 or email, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .