What is a key feature of administrative controls regarding noise exposure?

A key feature of administrative controls regarding noise exposure is the strategy of reducing work hours. Administrative controls are methods designed to manage and mitigate the impact of hazards, including noise, by altering workplace practices and policies. Reducing work hours is an effective administrative control because it limits the duration of exposure to harmful noise levels, thereby decreasing the risk of hearing loss among workers. This approach is particularly useful in environments where engineering controls or personal protective equipment may not fully eliminate the hazard.

While providing hearing protection and implementing engineering solutions are important in creating a safe work environment, they fall under different categories. Hearing protection is a form of personal protective equipment, and engineering solutions involve modifications to equipment or facilities to reduce noise levels directly. Changing work processes can also impact noise exposure but may not specifically address the duration of exposure as effectively as reducing work hours. Thus, reducing work hours stands out as a fundamental administrative control in the context of managing noise exposure.