Not-so sweet sounds

Hearing loss is a major problem in the industry, but goes unnoticed at first.

When people outside the industry ask about the biggest safety risk for landscape contractors, my answer is always the same: “If by ‘biggest safety risk,’ you mean what could kill them, it’s a piece of equipment rolling over on them. But the hazard that landscapers face every day is noise exposure and hearing loss.”

It’s hard to find statistics specifically on the landscape industry, but the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says occupational hearing loss is the most common work-related illness in the United States, estimating 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that nearly 125,000 workers have suffered significant, permanent hearing loss since 2004. If you work in the field and don’t practice good hearing safety, you will experience hearing loss.

Hearing loss is a tricky problem: It usually causes no pain, has no visible trauma, leaves no scars and is completely unnoticeable in the early stages. It accumulates with each exposure and can take years to notice any changes. It can’t be cured, but it can be prevented with good hearing safety practices.

Hearing loss is a function of noise level (measured in decibels) and exposure time, but a small increase in noise, only 3 dB, cuts the safe exposure time in half. Hazardous noise levels are defined as exposure above 85 dB for an 8-hour work day. That is roughly equivalent to being on, or around, a fairway or rough mower all day. If you are operating a chainsaw at more than 100dB, you could experience hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.

The source of this article was found on lawnandlandscape.com, for the full article please click here.

About the author

MICKEY MCCORD | March 10, 2014

Understanding Water Damage

Running water can be considered a basic necessity of life. You would not be able to clean your clothes, or wash the dishes without it. Although water can be used for many purposes, it can also cause major damage to your property, valuables and equipment unless you take steps to help maintain your home. By using these safety tips, you can minimize or help prevent water damage inside your home.

Water damage can come from different non-weather related sources, such as leaky baseboard heating, plugged air conditioning unit condensation drains, furnaces/boilers, water heaters, washing machines, and leaky plumbing.


















How can you help prevent water from leaking inside your home or business? No matter the source of damage-causing water, you can minimize or help prevent water damage from sources from within the home through home maintenance steps, including:

• Inspect washing machine hoses annually and replace every three–five years–or immediately, if there are any signs of cracking or bulging.
• Inspect plumbing around water heaters, showers, tubs, toilets, sinks, and dishwashers annually and repair if there are any signs of leaks or corrosion. When possible, install water heaters in an area with floor drains to help minimize damage if leaks should occur.
• Inspect refrigerator icemaker connections, usually located behind the refrigerator, annually and replace hoses if they appear cracked or corroded.
• Check air conditioning drain lines yearly and clean if clogged.

Also consider taking regular routine maintenance steps to help prevent water from entering your home or business, including:

• Keep drains, gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris.
• Maintain your roof to help prevent water from seeping into your home.
• Move downspouts minimally three feet away from the base of your home.
• Inspect and repair foundation wall cracks.
• Grade your landscape away from your building so water is directed away from the basement.

In addition to taking steps to help maintain your property, homeowners should also consider purchasing insurance coverage. If you have any questions, contact your agent or company representative.

Dobra Property Maintenance LLC

Colonia, NJ 07067

732-501-4006 / info@dobra.co

www.dobra.co

NJ Home Improvement Contractor #13VH05912800

Fully Licensed and Insured.