Noise Exposure Monitoring

Excessive workplace noise can cause permanent hearing loss if left unaddressed.

At The Lawson Group, we’ve helped New England businesses protect their employees’ hearing for over 40 years. Our noise exposure consulting services ensure you stay compliant with OSHA noise standards while creating a safer, healthier workplace.

We’re here to help! Call us at (603) 228-3610 or fill out the form below.

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Why Noise Monitoring Matters & What OSHA Requires

From manufacturing to construction, many workplaces expose employees to hazardous noise levels. A noise exposure assessment helps you understand what your team is truly exposed to during a normal shift—so you can fix risks early, before they turn into long-term problems. When noise is too high, it can lead to:

Permanent hearing loss
Increased workplace accidents due to miscommunication
Reduced employee focus and productivity

It’s also a key part of meeting OSHA noise standards. OSHA requires employers to evaluate workplace noise when exposures may exceed 85 decibels (dBA) over an 8-hour shift. If monitoring shows excessive exposure, employers typically need to:

Establish a hearing conservation program
Provide training for affected employees
Ensure appropriate hearing protection
Support hearing testing (audiometric testing) where required

We’ll help you meet these requirements in a practical, straightforward way, without the stress of figuring it out alone.

Learn More About OSHA Compliance

How We Conduct Noise Exposure Consulting

Every workplace sounds different, so we start by collecting real, shift-long data. Our approach combines practical on-site observation with accurate monitoring, so you know exactly where the risk is and what to do next.

Decibel Level Assessments & Sound Level Measurement

We use sound level meters and noise dosimeters to capture accurate data. Unlike a quick walkthrough with a meter, dosimeters are worn by employees for a full shift, giving a true picture of exposure during real work tasks.

Noise Dosimetry vs. Walkthrough Surveys

A single reading doesn’t tell the full story. That’s why we rely on dosimetry to identify risks that fluctuate with different machines, tasks, or shifts. This approach is fully aligned with OSHA’s guidance and ensures you’re getting reliable results.

Building a Hearing Conservation Program

If monitoring shows excessive noise, our team helps you design a hearing protection program that actually works in practice. That can include:

Selecting the right hearing protection for your team
Training employees on safe use of protective gear
Setting up regular re-monitoring (typically every two years)
Exploring noise mitigation engineering solutions

Long-Term Benefits of Noise Exposure Monitoring

Investing in workplace noise monitoring protects more than just hearing:

Healthier employees with reduced risk of long-term hearing loss
Fewer workplace injuries caused by communication breakdowns
Improved compliance with OSHA noise standards [ link to OSHA page]
Peace of mind knowing your workplace is safe

Why Choose The Lawson Group?

We’ve been protecting New England businesses for over 40 years. As a local, family-owned company based in New Hampshire, we understand the real-world challenges your workplace faces — and we’re here to help you solve them.

Proven noise monitoring experience

Since OSHA’s Hearing Conservation standard took effect in 1983, we’ve completed over 1,000 noise exposure surveys for manufacturers, municipalities, contractors, and other New England employers. We don’t rely on quick walkthrough readings. Instead, we use full-shift noise dosimetry and thorough decibel level assessments to capture real-world exposure data that reflects how your team actually works.

Our experience means you get clear answers, not confusing reports. We explain what the numbers mean, whether you’re meeting OSHA noise standards, and what practical steps (if any) make sense for your operation. The goal is long-term hearing loss prevention and a safer workplace for your people.

Independent & practical guidance

We don’t overcomplicate things, and we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our recommendations are practical, straightforward, and designed to protect your people while keeping your operation running smoothly.

Local, long-term partnership

We’re not a national chain — we’re your neighbors. That means responsive support, familiar faces, and a team that’s invested in building a safer, healthier workplace with you for the long haul.

Talk to a safety consultant now

Noise Exposure FAQs

What is considered hazardous noise in the workplace?

In general, workplace noise becomes hazardous when employees are exposed to 85 decibels (dBA) or higher over an 8-hour workday. At that level, long-term exposure can lead to permanent hearing loss. Common sources include manufacturing equipment, compressors, saws, and heavy machinery.

What are OSHA noise standards?

OSHA requires employers to evaluate workplace noise and take action when exposure reaches certain levels. If employees are exposed to 85 dBA or more, employers must implement a hearing conservation program which may include monitoring, training, and hearing protection.

How is noise exposure measured?

Noise exposure is measured using sound level meters and noise dosimeters. Sound level meters provide instant readings, while dosimeters are worn by employees for a full shift to measure real-world exposure as they perform their normal job tasks.

What is a noise dosimeter, and why is it important?

A noise dosimeter is a small device worn by an employee during their workday. It records noise exposure over time, which gives a much more accurate picture than a quick walkthrough. OSHA often requires dosimetry when noise levels vary or employees move between tasks.

How often should noise monitoring be done?

OSHA doesn’t require a fixed schedule, but monitoring must be repeated whenever there’s a change in equipment, process, or production that could increase noise levels. Many businesses choose to re-monitor every one to two years once a baseline has been established.

Do all businesses need a hearing conservation program?

Not necessarily. A hearing conservation program is required when monitoring shows employees are exposed to noise at or above OSHA’s action level. Monitoring is the first step to determine whether a program is needed.

What does a hearing conservation program include?

A typical program may include:

Noise exposure monitoring
Employee training
Hearing protection selection and use
Audiometric (hearing) testing
Ongoing review and re-monitoring

The Lawson Group can help make sure these programs are practical and manageable.

Can noise exposure really cause long-term health issues?

Yes. Long-term exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and increased stress and fatigue. Once hearing is damaged, it can’t be restored, which is why prevention matters.

How can my business reduce workplace noise?

Noise reduction may involve equipment maintenance, process changes, engineering controls, or hearing protection. In some cases, noise mitigation engineering can significantly reduce exposure at the source. We help you evaluate options that make sense for your operation.

How do I know if my workplace needs noise exposure consulting?

If your workplace is loud enough that employees need to raise their voices to talk, that’s a good sign monitoring may be needed. A professional noise exposure consulting assessment provides clarity and helps you make informed decisions.

Request a Noise Exposure Consultation Today

Don’t wait until hearing loss becomes a problem. Our team is ready to help.