Workplace radios and industrial deafness

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 are there to protect the hearing of workers from any unwanted and excessive noise. And, although the regulations have only been in existence for a few years, the consensus among health and safety professionals is that they are already playing a part in reducing rates of industrial deafness.

Obviously, the regulations play a major part in protecting the hearing of employees in industries that rely on heavy and noisy machinery. They place a responsibility on employers and senior management to provide hearing protection devices, hearing protection zones, noise control equipment, labelling of noisy machinery and appropriate risk assessments for all affected workers.

However, when coupled with the threat of potential hearing loss-related personal injury claims, the regulations have had some unforeseen effects, such as the decision by some organisations to ban the use of radios in factories and offices.

This reality hit home in 2008 when England's world-famous pottery maker Wedgwood, announced it had decided to cease the use of radios in its Stoke-on-Trent factories. A spokesperson commented, "This is not a decision that has been taken lightly. There are a number of issues involving health and safety, and one is that electrics have to be taken and tested.

"And we have seen a dramatic rise in the number of noise-induced hearing loss claims in the factory.

"People are turning up radios very loud to drown out factory noise.

"Personal stereos are not affected, as long as disclaimers are signed."

Despite fears that such safety-first decisions adversely affect the morale of some workers, the Health and Safety Executive believes that reducing the incidence of industrial deafness in the UK should take ultimate priority.

An HSE spokesperson said, "They have an obligation to do something about reducing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus or other medical effects known to result from prolonged exposure to high levels of noise."

Deafness compensation claim specialists
The loss, whether whole or partial, of any our key senses is both distressing and life-changing.

The no win, no fee solicitors on our UK-wide panel are among the foremost personal injury specialists in the UK. And with our hearing loss team skilled in industrial deafness litigation, their representation can help your compensation claim achieve the best possible outcome.

Whether you win or lose your case, when you claim with us you can rest assured that our representation will always be completely cost free to you.

And since we also protect you from costs incurred by the defending side, and ensure all successful claimants receive 100% compensation, we offer the greatest peace of mind possible.

Furthermore, we only ever appoint Solicitors Regulation Authority-governed solicitors, providing you a professional service.

Contact our legal advisors by filling out a claim form, using echat, or calling 0800 10 757 95 for obligation-free advice.