The traditional picture of a farm, as a serene and quiet workplace, couldn't be farther from the truth.

Machinery, motors and even sounds made by animals, sometimes create a noisy and often hazardous environment.

"Since the industrial revolution, noise is one of the most common occupational health hazards," explained Marcel Hacault, executive director of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA). "Noise-induced hearing loss is 100 per cent preventable, but once acquired, hearing loss is permanent and irreversible. Therefore, prevention measures must be taken by employers and workers to ensure hearing protection at all times."

"PPE only works if you use it!" is the theme of this year's Canadian Agricultural Safety campaign, with a focus on the use, fit and access of personal protective equipment (PPE) in agriculture. The year-long campaign will be launched with Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW), from March 11 to 17. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and CASA deliver CASW in partnership with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

What is the difference between sound and noise? Sound is what we hear and noise is unwanted sound, so the difference depends on the listener and the circumstances. For example, certain music may be a pleasing sound to one listener but an annoying noise to another. Either way, it can be a hearing hazard if the sound is loud and the exposure long.

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). A normal conversation takes place at about 60 dB, whereas a gun shot is above 130 dB and will cause pain. Most power tools operate at between 90 and 120 decibels, chickens inside a building are about 105 dB and a pig's squeal can reach up to 130 dB. Hearing protection should be worn if noise or sound levels exceed 85 dB.

The degree of hearing hazard is related to both the level of the noise as well as to the duration of the exposure. Here are two easy ways to determine if a noise is loud enough to damage your hearing. First, if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone who is an arm's length away, then the noise is likely hazardous. Second, if your ears are ringing or sounds seem dull or flat after leaving a noisy place, then you probably were exposed to hazardous noise levels.

The best way to prevent occupational hearing loss is to reduce noise at the source by engineering methods, such as installing a muffler or building an acoustic barrier. If hearing protection is required because noise can't be reduced at its source, then a complete hearing conservation program should be implemented. A hearing conservation program includes noise assessment, hearing protector selection, employee training and education, audiometric testing, maintenance, inspection, record keeping, and program evolution.

The most suitable kind hearing protection depends on a number of factors including level of noise, comfort, personal preference, and the suitability of the hearing protector for both the worker and his environment. It is best to keep a variety of noise reducing earplugs and earmuffs available to suit all situations and preferences.

CFA along with CASA, FCC and AAFC want to remind Canadian farmers that "PPE only works if you use it!"