What is the most effective method for addressing a work-related noise exposure issue?

Positioning the operator at double the distance from the noise source is considered an effective method for addressing work-related noise exposure due to the physics of sound propagation. According to the inverse square law, sound intensity decreases significantly as the distance from the source increases. By doubling the distance, the worker is exposed to a much lower sound level—in many cases, a reduction of about 6 decibels. This approach directly targets the reduction of noise exposure without requiring any additional equipment or materials.

Other methods, while beneficial in their own right, may not be as immediately impactful as increasing distance from the noise source. Providing earplugs can offer a protective solution but does not eliminate the source of noise; it simply reduces the sound that reaches the ear. Installing soundproofing materials can also help reduce noise but might be impractical or costly in certain work environments. Reducing working hours may lessen overall exposure time, but it doesn't address the noise levels during working hours, and is a more limited solution.

Thus, effective noise control measures prioritize reducing the source's impact on the worker, with increased distance being a straightforward and effective strategy.