Noise at work can cause hearing loss that is permanent and disabling. It can also cause other conditions such as tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), which can be equally distressing. Onset of these conditions can be sudden, caused by impact noise, or gradual, due to prolonged exposure to noise over time.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 requires employers to prevent or reduce risks to health from exposure to noise at work. They require all employers to assess the risks to their employees from noise at work and take action to reduce the noise exposure that produces those risks.

If engineering controls or other organisational means cannot reduce the noise at source then employers must provide employees with hearing protection, underpinned by training, information, instruction, and supervision. Health surveillance should also be implemented where there is a health issue.

The Noise Regulations require employers to take specific action for noise at certain values. These relate to the levels of exposure to noise experienced by employees averaged over a working day or week and the length to which employees are exposed over a typical working day.

Aegis offers a comprehensive service which will ensure your company complies fully with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, that employee exposures are identified and that the risk of long-term hearing damage is reduced.  This will not only ensure legal compliance, but will also reduce exposure to potential costly compensation claims.

This service includes:

  • Measurement of maximum and overall average noise levels at typical working positions and calculation of employee exposure levels
  • Comprehensive report identifying areas for improvement and action plan
  • Employee awareness training, including the selection and correct fitting and use of appropriate personal hearing protection

For more information on how our noise at work services can support your company in complying with the regulations and protecting employees from hearing damage, get in touch with our team of experts today.