News

Regulation Review Part 12

Workers in Manitoba have legislated regulations to help keep us safe, day in and day out – no matter what job we do. These regulations are a part of the framework for building safe workplaces in Manitoba. 

The Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and associated regulations are in place to protect you – the worker – from workplace hazards and the risks they present. Manitoba Regulation 217/2006 is a 44-part document containing requirements and guidelines for workplaces, including site-specific rules and other valuable information to prevent harm from coming to workers.  

Safety Check is profiling one part of the Regulation in each issue to help remind you of the Regulation’s specifics and to help keep safety top-of-mind for all Manitobans.  

This issue, it’s Regulation Part 12 – Hearing Conservation and Noise Control.  

Regulation Part 12 requires a new workplace, or existing workplace that has been significantly renovated or repaired, or one with a new piece of significant equipment to be designed and constructed so the continuous noise level generated is not more than 85dBA or as low as reasonably possible.

Employers must conduct a noise exposure assessment and post a copy of it at the workplace if:

  • A worker is likely to be exposed to noise levels over 80dBA
  • An alteration, renovation or repair takes place
  • New equipment is introduced
  • Work processes are modified
  • A worker provides the employer with evidence of work-related hearing loss

 

If noise levels are between 80dBA and 85dBA, the employer must inform workers of the hazards of the noise level, and provide the worker with hearing protectors if requested. These protectors must meet current CSA standards and be accompanied by information on selection, use and care.  

If noise levels are over 85dBA, the employer must also implement sound control measures to reduce the levels below 85dBA where practical, provide the workers with hearing protectors that reduce exposure below 85dBA and provide at no expense an initial baseline audiometric test no later than 70 days from initial exposure and a further test once per year.  

When results of audiometric testing show abnormal results, the industrial audiometric technician, physician or audiologist must advise the worker of the results, request the worker provide relevant medical history and ensure the results are forwarded to the proper professionals.  

Once a physician or audiologist receives results of an abnormal audiometric test, they must review the results and prepare a written report indicating their interpretation of the results and any recommendations of action to be taken by the employer. They then must provide the employer with this report and retain it themselves for at least 10 years.  

The employer must also ensure an annual report is prepared which includes the sound control measures taken at the workplace and statistics in regards to number of workers who received testing, experienced abnormal results and whose abnormal results were as a result of workplace exposure. 

The employer must provide this report within 30 days to the physician, workplace safety and health committee and Director of the Workplace Safety and Health Division.

For more information, download the Regulation in full or read the Guideline for Hearing Conservation and Noise Control.