sound innovations: navigating the future of warehouse acoustics with Oscar Acoustics
Warehouses, needless to say, are not relaxing environments. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be transformed into workplaces that enhance employee’s productivity and wellbeing. All it takes is a smart approach to warehouse acoustics.
the future of warehouse acoustics
Post-pandemic, the e-commerce industry has rocketed as buyers plump on-mass for the convenience of online shopping and home delivery. As a result, demand for warehouse spaces has gone up and businesses are investing heavily to meet consumer demand.
As the warehouse sector rises in importance, employers should be thinking harder than ever about what they can do to create a positive work environment. Key emerging trends include the reassessment of the importance of productivity and safety in the warehouse and, in particular, the impact of noise.
Noise is a common concern among warehouse workers. Forklifts, conveyor belts and other mechanical parts all contribute to a cacophony of noise, which isn’t helped by the lack of sound-dampening insulation typically found in warehouses. The effect is amplified by hard surfaces; concrete block walls and floors create perfect conditions for sound to reflect off and reverberate, raising the volume even more.
The rising demand for warehouse space is set to lead to larger warehouses, which is likely to compound the impact of poor acoustics. As the sector continues to expand, the need for innovative acoustic solutions to protect employees’ wellbeing and safety is paramount. By finding intelligent solutions to the challenges raised by poor acoustics, warehouse employers can enhance operational efficiency and create safer working conditions for their staff.
the importance of reducing noise in warehouses
Loud noise in warehouses isn’t just unpleasant; it’s actively damaging to profits and employee’s health.
Excessive noise makes it harder to concentrate, more difficult to communicate with colleagues and can lead to poor quality work. Understandably, it also means that employees are likely to take longer breaks to get away from it all. With all these negative consequences stemming from poor warehouse acoustics, it’s inevitable that the bottom line will be impacted.
On top of that, overly loud warehouse spaces can seriously impact employees’ health and wellbeing. Noise is a natural stress trigger, which can lead to raised anxiety and blood pressure. Headaches are more common in louder environments, and long exposure to excessive noise is also damaging to hearing.
From our recent research, we found that a quarter of the workers surveyed reported suffering from hearing difficulties, hearing loss, or tinnitus as a result of workplace noise.
how to improve warehouse acoustics
To create a safer, more productive work environment, employers have to start with warehouse acoustics. Mitigating steps like ear defenders will only get you so far and can drown out other important warning sounds. The core problem of overall noise levels is what needs to be tackled.
acoustic sprays
Quality acoustic sprays are the most effective way of reducing noise in warehouses. SonaSpray®, Oscar Acoustics’ innovative range of acoustic sprays, is perfectly tailored for industrial spaces like warehouses. When applied to walls or ceilings, its seamless finish absorbs and dampens sound waves to stop them bouncing around the space to reduce reverberations and echoes dramatically.
Quick and easy to apply, SonaSpray® also carries exceptional safety and sustainability credentials. The range exceeds the latest fire safety requirements set under the updated Fire Safety: Approved Document B, providing no droplets and almost no smoke to facilitate safe escapes in emergencies. It is also recognised by a host of third-party sustainability certifications, including BREEAM, SKA and Living Building Challenge.
transform your warehouse space
Ultimately, acoustic treatment makes warehouses quieter, giving employees the ideal conditions to maintain high levels of focus and remain free from the health concerns caused by excessive noise.
With the demand for warehouse space only going up, a forward-thinking approach is essential. To find out more about how our expert solutions could make your warehouse a safer and more conducive place to work, get in touch.