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According to a new report from Afa Försäkring, noise is the third most common cause of recognised occupational disease (OD), after vibration and carpal tunnel syndrome. Between 2013 and 2022, 95% of these occupational diseases will affect men, especially those over 45, working in industry and construction. Prevention can make a big difference.
Hearing damage usually occurs after working in a noisy environment of 85 decibels or more for at least 10 years. But it can also occur after shorter exposure to higher decibel levels.
Employers who have signed a collective agreement with Afa Försäkring can receive support in carrying out systematic work on the working environment and preventing damage caused by noise at work.
The report is based on a study of 788 noise-related occupational illnesses. It covers the years 2013 to 2022 and the ODs recognised by Afa Försäkring, i.e. those where the problem has lasted at least 180 days and has been recognised by the Social Security Fund (Försäkringskassan) or is on the International Labour Organisation’s list of ODs (ILO Recommendation No. 194).
(Image ©Afa Försäkring)
