It's common for all construction workers to receive basic safety training when they first enter a worksite. Some more progressive contractors offer "toolbox" trainings during lunchtime or other breaks that cover specific topics in-depth. However, the depth of training on hazardous noise and hearing protection is frequently too basic, providing little more than an admonition to "use protection if you're in hazardous noise." 

However, offering a few simple tips in basic or toolbox training sessions can increase the use and effectiveness of hearing protection devices (HPD) on the construction site:

• How to Identify Hazardous Noise — As a rule of thumb, if you must raise your voice to communicate with someone an arm's length away, the noise exposure is above 85 dB and protection is needed. 
• Know Your Noise Levels — Many equipment manufacturers now publish expected noise levels in their user manuals. Also, check out the "Power Tool Database"  published by NIOSH's Hearing Loss Prevention Program. This is a comprehensive listing of "real world" noise levels for many brands of power tools used in construction, and will help workers better identify noise hazards.
• How to Properly Wear HPDs — Making HPDs available to workers is a great start for any Hearing Conservation program, however earplugs and earmuffs are only effective when they are worn properly. Spend a few minutes explaining different types and styles of earplugs and earmuffs, and their specific fitting and maintenance instructions. HearForever.org offers earplugs and earmuff fit instruction posters in a variety of languages for download. 
• Avoid Overprotection — Construction workers often cite the inability to hear co-workers, equipment or alarms/signals as one reason why not to wear HPDs when exposed to hazardous noise. When you offer a variety of protection, make sure it includes a range of attenuation, in addition to styles, that accommodate the array of noises and applications on the site.