Sound advice to prevent industrial deafness 12 August 2011

Despite legislation being introduced to guard against it, thousands of employees are still develop hearing problems every year, as a result of being exposed to excessive noise in the workplace, according to workplace equipment provider Slingsby.

Lee Wright, marketing director for Slingsby, states that the problem is one of the easiest and cheapest to prevent, and reminds plant operators that, under The Control of Noise at Work Regulations, employers have a legal responsibility to protect workers.

"Hearing problems, tinnitus or industrial deafness are still common medical conditions that are caused by excessive noise," he warns.

"The severity of the condition depends entirely on the level of noise and the length of time exposed to it, but in severe cases it can lead to complete hearing loss and, once the damage is done, the effects are irreversible."

Wright makes the point that employers are required by law to protect their employees when noise reaches certain levels, or else they can face prosecution and compensation claims.

"For this reason it's important that employers monitor noise levels in areas where it can become uncomfortable. However, the good news is that, if it is excessive, it's usually cheap and easy to guard employees against it," he says.

Slingsby has compiled a checklist that employers must follow when noise levels reach certain levels.

For example, when daily noise levels reach an average of 80 dBA employers must: explain the risks to employees and tell them how to protect their ears; provide ear protectors and keep them in good working order; and reduce noise levels wherever possible by modifying, muffling or replacing equipment and maintaining it regularly.

"It's important to remember that the regulations also require employers to ensure noise is minimised before resorting to ear protection, such as installing sound reduction equipment and taking noise levels into account when ordering new equipment or machinery," advises Wright.

"When it is suspected that noise in the workplace could be a problem, a specialist risk assessment should be carried out to estimate employees' exposure and work out what can be done to comply with the law," he adds.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
HC Slingsby plc

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