Industrial deafness is a risk for more than 1 million workers in the UK according to the government’s Health and Safety Executive. This is a prominent risk and steps must be made by employers to reduce this risk. Even short exposure to high-decibel noises can damage an individual’s hearing irreparably. Companies have a duty to protect their employees’ hearing if there is a risk assessed as being present in the workplace. Conditions must be controlled to be in line with the lower and upper decibel limits which have been implemented by the government. 87 decibels is the upper limit for noise exposure in the workplace – this is with an individual wearing hearing protection.
Certain professions carry a greater risk of hearing damage than others. Jobs which require the use of heavy machinery, such as factory work will bring with it a high decibel level being encountered on a daily basis. For employees of the mining industry and quarrying industry, a working day will be peppered with pneumatic tools and cutters. Engineers and shipbuilders will also experience the noise of various different types of plant machinery each day. Finally, working in the music industry poses a serious risk to your hearing. Employees will most likely be aware of the danger they are in and will want to reduce the risk. Employers should ensure those who are unaware are made aware and that employees understand the consequences of not actively engaging in measures implemented to protect their hearing, such as the wearing of ear protectors. Certain machinery also has a specifically heightened level of danger of damaging hearing. Machinery such as powder mills, bench grinders and power blasters produce particularly high noise levels.
Your employer has a responsibility to you as their employee. If you are at a risk of developing hearing difficulties due to your line of work, your employee has a responsibility to provide you with the appropriate training and equipment for you to complete your job in the safest possible way. If they do not provide you with the correct training or equipment, and you develop hearing problems, you may be able to claim for compensation. If you employee has failed you, your injury will be due to their negligence and they should be held responsible for their actions.
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If you are concerned that your employer is not giving you the training or equipment you need, you should consult with them regarding this. If you make a complaint this could potentially save both your own hearing, and the hearing of your colleagues. However, for some individuals the damage will sadly have already been done. If you are in this position you should contact a solicitor who specialises in industrial disease claims today to receive the compensation you deserve. Call Freeman Harris on 020 7231 7150 or fill in an online enquiry for a completely free initial consultation.