An expensive problem
Over the last decade, there has been up to 85,000 cases annually of employees filing claims for Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). This has resulted in some staggering settlement costs totalling up to £400,000,000 a year being paid out by businesses and insurances companies. In 2015, claims for NIHL were dubbed the 'new whiplash' due to a rapid rise in claims.
How to tell if you have a noise problem at work
Whether or not your employees are at risk of noise induced hearing loss depends on a few factors. HSE lists some easy indicators to help employers identify whether they may have a noise problem at work:
Is the noise intrusive - like a busy street, a vacuum cleaner or a crowded restaurant - for most of the working day?
Do employees have to raise their voices to carry out a normal conversation when about 2 m apart for at least part of the day?
Do your employees use noisy powered tools or machinery for more than half an hour each day?
Do you work in a noisy industry, eg construction, demolition or road repair; woodworking; plastics processing; engineering; textile manufacture; general fabrication; forging, pressing or stamping; paper or board making; canning or bottling; foundries?
Are there noises due to impacts (such as hammering, drop forging, pneumatic impact tools etc), explosive sources such as cartridge operated tools or detonators, or guns?
The Law
By law, employers must assess noise exposure in the workplace and identify measures to eliminate or reduce the risks of noise induced hearing loss. The actions required are proportionate to the level of risk, with lower noise levels requiring a more simple action plan and higher noise risks requiring additional steps. Employers must ensure that:
hearing protection is provided and used
measures to reduce or eliminate noise are implemented
information, training and health surveillance are provided to employees.
It is important that, whilst the law is clear about the provision of hearing protection, employers must firstly look at other options to reduce or eliminate noise at its source.
The health risks
Exposure to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss which cannot be cured. Damage to the hearing system can happen gradually over time by repeated exposure to loud noise, but can also happen instantly if the ears are exposed to single very loud noise sources.
One of the most common effects of hearing loss is difficulty in understanding speech. People find it difficult to distinguish 't', d' and 's' sound so they confuse similar words. People may also develop tinnitus, which is a ringing, whistling or buzzing in the ears, a distressing condition which can disturb sleep.
How can I assess noise correctly?
The noise exposure of employees should be established by measuring the sound levels they are exposed to and then calculating the daily or weekly average exposure. Levels should then be compared to 'action' and 'limit' values of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations to determine which measures are required, by law, to comply with the regulations.
When to involve a noise specialist
Engaging a noise consultant to carry out a professional assessment and provide you with clear advice is highly recommended and will give you the peace of mind to know that noise risks have been properly considered in your workplace.
Prices can be very reasonable and the services provided mean that cost savings can be made in the long-run by avoiding over-protective measures.
Evolved Acoustics has experience in undertaking Noise at Work assessments for a wide range of clients. Find out more about this service here.
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