Make Sure You Listen to the Hearing Safety Regulations!
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimate that one million UK workers are exposed to noise levels that might damage their hearing. According to the TUC over 170,000 UK workers already suffer deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions.
The hearing of all UK employees is protected by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
What the law says
Since 1989 UK employers have had to take steps to protect their employees’ hearing. In April 2006, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into force in the UK. The regulations require employers who have staff working in noisy environments to:
Undertake regular noise assessments
- provide employees with information and training about how to protect their hearing
- make hearing protection available, and ensure those most at risk actually wear hearing protection
- give regular hearing checks to those most at risk.
Exposure levels above 85 decibels (85 dB) should be avoided, for guidelines you can download this publication.
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