Which of the following is NOT a way to reduce workplace noise exposure?

Increasing personal protective equipment is not considered a proactive way to reduce workplace noise exposure. While personal protective equipment (PPE), such as earplugs or earmuffs, can indeed protect workers from the harmful effects of noise after exposure has occurred, it does not actively reduce the noise levels in the workplace itself.

On the other hand, implementing engineering controls involves modifying the physical environment to reduce noise at the source. This could include installing sound barriers, using quieter machinery, or isolating noisy equipment. Administrative controls refer to changes in workplace policies or practices, such as rotating workers in noisy jobs or scheduling noisy operations at times when fewer workers are present, aimed at minimizing exposure.

Improving ventilation systems, while potentially relevant to overall workplace safety and comfort, does not reduce noise exposure directly in the context of hearing conservation. Therefore, among the options listed, increasing personal protective equipment is the least effective method for reducing noise levels in the workplace itself.