With just over a week until the new Control of Noise Regulations come into force on 6 April, 2006, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have been campaigning to remind employers what their duties will be under the new Regulations.
The HSE's campaign is aimed at reminding employers of the following:
-
Prolonged exposure to noise at work can cause hearing loss, which is often permanent. Hearing loss caused by work is preventable, but once your hearing has gone, it won’t come back.
-
The HSE is working in partnership with businesses to find practical solutions to noise risks at work, to help protect everyone’s hearing. Noise solutions can often be surprisingly cost-effective and easy to implement.
-
Business benefits include lower sickness absence, lower staff turnover, improved productivity and safety, enhanced reputation, and lower risk of legal action.
A Noise at Work HSE Webpage is available, providing all the necessary information and guidance to help employers understand, prepare and implement any requirements, which may be necessary to comply with the new Regulations, such as the following:
-
The health effects of noise at work.
-
What to do if you have a noise problem at work.
-
How is noise measured.
-
Advice to workers.
-
Cost effective solutions to noise for employers.
There are approximately 170,000 workers in the UK who suffer deafness, tinnitus and other ear conditions caused by harmful noise levels in the workplace. With the introduction of the new Control of Noise Regulations on 6 April, 2006, the HSE is aiming to reduce this figure greatly.
Further information can be accessed from the HSE Webpage by clicking the following:
Further information on noise at work can also be accessed from our HSfB Your Articles page by clicking the following:
Article by Alexandra Johnston
