Hi Mamas,
I know I’m writing a workplace related question rather than a parenting question, but I value your opinions and I really would like to hear your input.
I work in a very small state office that has 24 people in it. We have been running out of room for a while, and last year I was moved from my corner office with windows to sharing a one-room no-window makeshift “office” that was the former evidence room (i.e. solid inner room/closet, no cell phone service, stuffy, no heat/air vents). The biggest problem I have is with the giant network server that constantly hums at a medium-high pitch ALL DAY LONG. When it was being cleaned out so we could move in, our boss was told by the maintenance guys that the server should be moved above the ceiling or a little closet should be built around it to help with the noise. But to keep things short, we've mentioned it to her, but our boss doesn’t care about anyone except herself, and so she didn’t do anything about it.
Now, I don’t know why, but the constant humming noise has been making me so irritated lately, to the point that I can’t really concentrate. I was talking to my co-worker, and he suggested that we call OSHA. But I guess I’m having a hard time mustering the courage, because 1) our office has so few people, everyone would know who called, and 2) I’m a little bit afraid of repercussions (not being fired, but being shunned and given a hard time, because my boss is vindictive when she wants to be).
So, what do you suggest? Do I call anyway, deal with it, complain more? I’ll take any ideas.
Edit: I should add that I'm not having any hearing issues from this (yet), but I am a little worried about long-term problems (not recognizing certain high frequencies).
Thanks!
Thank you so much for the info so far. I like the earplugs idea, and I will probably give it a shot. I would love to ask my supervisor about it again, but in this situation, I kind of think adjusting myself would be easier than trying to change my environment. And I'm not trying to cause trouble, just trying to not hate coming to work every day. But yes, I'm definitely thankful for my job.
ETA: Today I got a decibel meter and set it on my desk (I sit 5-6 ft from the network server). It hovered at 80 at the quietest times, but if the phone rang or people were talking (which is very often), it jumped up a little higher. And, to help some of you better understand the situation, I also asked about moving offices, and the reply was "back hallway, bathroom, or parking lot? You choose. Its the vault or nothing."
I think you shouldn't worry about it and be glad that you have a job and wow with the state too you'll probably have it forever.
This is actually within my area of expertise. You really need to find out how loud this is first. Annoying is not against the law. Your employer is not required to take any action until the levels reach 85 decibels on a 8-hour time weighted average. You can mention this to your manager. A dosimeter to measure the noise level is pretty cheap to rent...
Well, before I call OSHA I would suggest you do a little bit of research.
You can buy a device that will measure sound in decibles at wal-mart or Target. Go get one and sit it at your desk and measure the sound output of the servers. That will tell you if there is an actual violation going on. You don't want to call in authorities unless they are going to get cited, especially if you have a boss that is prone to retaliation.
To give you a frame of reference... a typical vacuum cleaner is about 80 decibels, so in order for there to be a violation the server would have to be significantly louder than a vacuum to be considered "too loud".
I found this.....
"The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended that all worker exposures to noise should be controlled below a level equivalent to 85 dBA for eight hours to minimize occupational noise induced hearing loss".
OSHA does recommend earplugs as an acceptable modification.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/noisehearingconservation/
Virginia is a "state plan" state, though. So, Virginia state law can supersede OSHA regulations.
Back to your question..... I would get a pair of ear plugs. When your boss asks why you are wearing them you can tell her that the high pitched server is causing ringing in your ears and you thought she would prefer you wear ear plugs rather than replace you or pay a workman's comp benefit for your damaged hearing.
Sorry about your work - that sucks to work in conditions that are unsettling.
I would really consider investing in a good pair of earplugs or headphones that you can comfortably wear. This would prevent that sound from reaching you. When someone comes in and wants to talk to you, they will get your attention and you can take them off.
If your boss is as selfish as it sounds, she might try to make things very hard on you. I don't know if OSHA deals with small companies or offices, but once a complaint is made, and they send a letter to HR, there's no going back as far as the boss is concerned.
I'm sorry you are going through this. It would drive me batty.
Dawn
You might want to read up on OSHA's written guidelines on noise in the workplace and see if your noise is regulated by OSHA.
www.osha.gov/SLTC/noisehearingconservation . Could you wear earphones to drown out the sound and listen to something more enjoyable?? Good luck!
Before calling OSHA I would speak with your supervisor and ask that something be done. If that doesn't work try to find a OSHA consultant that can give you the rules on noise in the workplace as it applies to OSHA standards. Mainly because while the sound annoys and irritates you unless it is extremely loud then it may not be something OSHA can do. If it truly is loud and you cannot speak over it without shouting then by all means contact OSHA. By definition you are entitled to a safe workplace and cannot be fired/dismissed for wanting to make the workplace safer and asking for your employer to make the changes necessary to make it safer.
So you think calling OSHA is the answer? The regs state that 85d for an 8 hour shift. Our company checks hearing every year because the noise level is higher. We also provide hearing protection for our employees. However, an annoying noise does not constitute against the law. You first need to find out if the noise is over the 85d. If not, then get some earplugs and a Bose headset that muffles out the noise. If it is, then approach your manager and let her know that the noise level is above the regulation and you would like to be relocated to a different office.
I really don't think calling OSHA is the best answer in this instance. Good luck.
Hi, L.:
What is the company policy for a grievance procedure?
Follow it first.
Keep a record of your decibel recordings each day.
Hope this helps.
D.
