“Noise Induced Hearing Loss Still a Danger,” Warns Asons Solicitors

Noise induced hearing loss, or occupational deafness, is still a very real and present danger.

Noise is something that remains pervasive throughout a variety of industries and will continue to be. The only defence employees have against it are Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and stringent adherence to health and safety standards by their employer. Unfortunately, there are a number of employers who either flout, or are ignorant of their responsibilities for preventing noise exposure.

Industrial deafness claims are the second most common kind of employers’ liability insurance claims; and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that around 2 million British workers are exposed to unacceptable noise levels at work.

Under The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, employers are required to provide adequate ear protection whilst ensuring that the sources of noise are ’engineered out’ by fitting silencers; as well as ensuring that the quietest machinery is used. Having employees sent for regular hearing checks, providing comprehensive training and limiting power tool and machinery usage, are all necessary to prevent future legal action.

When speaking to Maureen Ferguson, the Industrial Disease Manager for Asons Solicitors, she stated that:

“There are companies out there that make an effort to protect employee hearing. Unfortunately, some of them fail to make the use of protective equipment compulsory, whilst others are great in providing equipment, but fail to provide the necessary training. Neglecting certain aspects of the ’noise at work regulations’ still makes the employer, or at least their insurance company, liable for hearing loss claims.”

An employer making an effort runs in stark contrast however, to those employers that purposefully ignore their responsibilities entirely. One such company was prosecuted by the HSE for exposing personnel to noise as loud as 98 decibels for several hours each day. The Burnley-based Equestrian floor surface manufacturer, used granulators to shred materials to create their products, where noise levels were as high as those produced by chainsaws. Despite a previous formal warning, the company only made minor changes which did little to protect their staff.

The company was prosecuted back in October of 2010 at Burnley Magistrates’ Court; where they pleaded guilty for breaching Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974; for failing to comply with an Improvement Notice. They were fined £16,000 and were ordered to pay £11,000 in costs towards the prosecution.

“Noise induced hearing loss is a degenerative condition; it’s easily prevented but once hearing is damaged, it can never be repaired. As such, it’s critical that employers make the greatest possible effort to protect employees. For victims of Industrial Deafness, we help them to claim for their hearing damage, allowing them to purchase hearing aids and other supportive equipment to help them make the most of whatever hearing they have left” adds Ms Ferguson.

If you feel that your hearing may have been damaged at work, contact Asons solicitors today to find out if you are eligible to make a hearing loss claim. They can provide information on preventative safety measures as well as advising you on the next steps to take when dealing with incidents involving industrial deafness claims. 

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About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in  industrial disease and accident injury claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.

For further information visit:
Website: www.asons.co.uk

Contact Information

Imran Akram

Managing Director

Asons Solicitors

(44) (0) 844 850 1062

imran.akram@asons.co.uk