TUC Issues New Noise at Work Guide for Reps

The TUC has issued a new guide for safety reps on Noise at Work. This briefing document gives information to health and safety representatives on what the law is and what they can do to ensure that their employer does not put the hearing of their workers at risk.

Where there is an issue of noise exposure it is important that employers get competent advice. Noise control is more that checking levels with a meter and issuing ear plugs. Controlling noise requires professional help and expert advice. Employers should consult with health and safety representatives over the arrangements for the appointment of competent people.

Health and safety representatives should also be aware of the training and information arrangements where there is any potential risk and should ensure that their employer has given all their workforce appropriate training and information.

Health and safety representatives can identify if there is a problem with noise by carrying out a survey with workers who may be affected or by using body and risk mapping techniques. They can also do a special inspection that concentrates on noise.

Health and safety representatives should report their concerns and those of their members to management in writing.

Download the guide here:
http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/noiseatwork.pdf
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Workplace noise still a health threat

News in the recent Risks bulletin:

Workers, some exposed recently, are still developing noise-induced hearing loss, recent compensation cases show. The noise levels in the Leeds factory of Depuy International, where Alan Gosling was part of a team making knee and hip replacements, has permanently damaging his hearing. Now the 39-year-old has been awarded £6,500 in compensation for the condition and been transferred to another department at the firm. He worked as a fitter and polisher between 1996 and 2006 and worked on spindles to grind and finish surgical implant components. The spindles – and shot blast machines around 10 metres away – generated high levels of noise when in use. However, until 2001, ear protection was not mandatory. Trade union Unite’s Amicus section, working with Thompsons Solicitors, secured the payout for Mr Gosling. Sheffield shopfitter Peter Nelson, 65, has been awarded £12,000 compensation pay out after he contracted noise induced hearing loss caused by noise from power tools whilst working for Plumb Furniture Systems Limited. As a result of being exposed to noise from circular saws, routers, sledge hammers, brakers and drills Mr Nelson developed hearing loss which is irreversible and makes it difficult for him to follow conversations. He now has to wear a hearing aid. Mark Allen, from law firm Irwin Mitchell, who represented Mr Nelson, said he ‘was never warned or advised about the dangers of noise induced hearing loss or was provided with any protective equipment. This case highlights the importance of health and safety policies. Employers have a duty of care to their staff which includes ensuring full protective equipment is provided so workers’ exposure to risk is kept to a minimum.’

Thompsons Solicitors news release. Irwin Mitchell Solicitors news release. Yorkshire Evening Post.

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