The use of headsets in retail trade – noise exposure and mental stress

Status:

completed 03/2026

Aims:

An earlier project studying noise exposure in the retail trade (IFA 4238) identified the use of headsets as a further potential stress factor for workers. Both noise exposure and mental stress, together with the resulting strain, were examined in greater detail in a research project conducted jointly by the BGHW, IAG and IFA. The overriding objectives of this project were to identify and reduce hazards to workers and to develop practical guidance for the low-stress use of headsets in the retail trade, including a guide to selection of headsets for use in this sector.

Activities/Methods:

The project examined the retail trade in a number of sectors, including the food and textile retail segments, full-range retailers and cash-and-carry businesses. Searches identified the two headset types most commonly used. The businesses’ willingness to participate was ultimately the factor determining their selection.

To determine the mental stress and strain, a dedicated questionnaire, drawing upon psychological and sector-specific expertise, was produced by the Institute for Work and Health of the DGUV (IAG) and the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the trade and distribution industry (BGHW). An overarching approach was followed, covering not only auditory stress, but also other aspects such as wearing habits and the headsets’ comfort and fit. Questions also covered the size of the business, personal situational factors and safety aspects. Employees were able to take part in the survey anonymously and using their personal terminal devices. To this end, each branch of a business received its own QR code that redirected users to the EvaSys platform used for the survey. Participating businesses were pseudonymised. The IAG was responsible for collating the individual questionnaires and for the overall evaluation of the survey.

The Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the DGUV (IFA) developed suitable measurement technology and a measurement specification for determining exposure at the ear, beneath the headset. This was tested by means of pilot measurements in individual branches of retail companies. The BGHW subsequently conducted exposure measurements in the participating member companies. The results were evaluated by the IFA.

Finally, the evaluated results of the questionnaires and the physical measurement data were combined and examined jointly by the IAG and the IFA for possible correlations. The IFA held overall responsibility for the project’s management.

Results:

Measurements and surveys were conducted in a total of 19 branches of retail companies during the project. A general, cross-company online survey of 73 employees in the retail trade was conducted at the same time.

The survey results show that the headsets are viewed largely as a positive resource and an enhancement to communication. Only in certain work areas and a small number of activities, for example at cash tills, are they perceived as a nuisance.

In three of the 19 measurements, the lower action value (LEX,8h > 80 dB) of the German Ordinance on noise and vibration protection (LärmVibrationsArbSchV) was exceeded; in one measurement, the upper action value (LEX,8h > 85 dB) was also exceeded. A risk that the use of headsets in the retail sector may cause hearing damage cannot therefore be excluded. These measurement results would not have been obtained without the development and fabrication of dedicated measuring equipment by the IFA. The activity-specific results of the personal measurements are consistent with those of the earlier project.

Guidance on low-exposure use and risk reduction is now being formulated and is to be published alongside a DGUV report on the entire project.

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