How to Reduce Noise in Factories: Safer Workplaces Through Smart Noise Control

Noise is a constant challenge in industrial environments. Unlike offices, where sound levels usually stay within 50–70 dBA, manufacturing facilities often operate at 90–100 dBA and higher. Prolonged exposure at these levels can harm worker health, increase stress, reduce focus, and lead to more accidents.

This is why factory noise control is both a compliance requirement and a productivity investment. By understanding factory noise levels and applying proven strategies—such as equipment enclosures, personal protection, and better facility layouts—manufacturers can reduce risks and create safer workplaces.

• Health and Safety: Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 dBA can cause permanent hearing damage.
  
  
• Productivity: Excessive noise makes it harder for employees to concentrate, communicate, and work efficiently.
  
  
• Regulatory Compliance: OSHA sets clear limits on exposure times based on decibel levels, while the Noise Control Act regulates industrial noise affecting the public.
  
  
• Legal and Financial Risk: Failure to comply with noise regulations can result in fines, workers’ compensation claims, or legal action.

According to OSHA, employees should not be exposed to 90 dBA for more than 8 continuous hours. As noise increases, permissible exposure time decreases dramatically (for example, just 2 hours at 100 dBA).

One of the most effective strategies is to contain or reduce noise where it originates. This limits how far sound travels and minimizes its impact on the entire facility.

Custom Sound-Dampening Equipment Enclosures

At Panel Built, we frequently design manufacturing facility noise walls and custom enclosures for loud machinery. Benefits include:

• Encapsulating equipment to contain noise
• Engineering airflow to maintain safe operating conditions
• Using composite panels with integrated sound reduction materials

With specialized sound reduction boards, our modular wall systems can achieve STC ratings of 42–45, among the highest in the industry. That means significantly less sound passes through walls and partitions, creating quieter, safer work areas.

Even with engineering solutions, many workers will still require personal hearing protection. OSHA requires it for employees exposed to average factory noise levels of 85 dBA or higher over an 8-hour shift.

Common options include:

• Earplugs: Lightweight, inexpensive, and comfortable for long use.
• Earmuffs: Provide a secure seal around the ear and greater protection in high-noise areas.

Each employee should have access to both options and be trained on proper use. Comfort and fit are essential—if workers won’t wear the protection consistently, it won’t be effective.

Smarter Factory Layouts for Noise Control

Design and facility configuration can play a major role in long-term noise reduction. For facilities being built or reconfigured, consider:

• Separating Noisy and Quiet Areas: Place office space, break rooms, or control rooms away from high-noise zones.
• Clustering Loud Equipment: Group noisy machines together in a single area, making noise easier to isolate and contain.
• Adding Barriers and Modular Walls: Use modular offices and break rooms built with high-STC panels to create quiet zones within noisy environments.
• Considering Expansion Plans: Future growth may add more equipment. Planning noise control upfront saves time and cost later.

For new builds, taking noise into account during design prevents expensive retrofits. For existing facilities, modular wall systems and enclosures provide a fast, non-disruptive way to improve conditions.

While OSHA governs workplace exposure in the United States, other regions reference standards such as the Factory Act, which outlines safe noise levels as per factory act regulations. Across jurisdictions, the principle is the same: noise exposure must be controlled to protect workers.

Key thresholds include:

• 85 dBA: Hearing protection required after 8 hours.

• 90 dBA: Maximum continuous exposure limit without protection in the U.S.

• 100 dBA: Maximum continuous exposure of 2 hours.

By combining engineering controls, personal protection, and smart layouts, companies can meet or exceed these requirements while improving the work environment.

• Factory noise reduction is essential for worker safety, productivity, and compliance.

• The most effective approach is layered: stop noise at the source, provide personal protection, and design smarter layouts.

• Manufacturing facility noise walls, custom enclosures, and modular offices with high STC ratings create quieter, safer workplaces.

• Compliance with OSHA or factory noise level regulations reduces legal risk while improving employee well-being.

Partner with Panel Built for Factory Noise Control

Panel Built specializes in modular solutions that help manufacturers reduce noise and protect workers. From custom machine enclosures to modular offices and noise-dampening break rooms, our products are engineered for performance, safety, and compliance.

Contact us today to request a quote and learn how our modular systems can improve your facility’s noise control strategy.