Hearing Aid for construction and manufacturing workers

An estimated 2.25 million people at risk from hearing damage within their workplace will receive protection under revised UK regulations that come into force next April.

The new statutory limits lower acceptable noise levels by five decibels, meaning that more that double the number of workers than at present will be protected. Employers will be required to take action to limit staff exposure to excessive noise and also provide adequate protection from hearing damage.

In order to help organisations meet this challenge with the correct information and the best practical advice, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is holding Sound Off ñ Noise Reduction at Work at the Earls Court Conference Centre in London. This two-day event, on October 11 and 12, is managed by CMP Information and supported by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID).

Lawrence Waterman, President of IOSH commented: ìWe need to help employers and workers within industry understand the risks of noise exposure. A healthy workforce is also good for business, and staff morale can receive a real boost from an employer taking the well being of employees seriously.î

Andrew Maxey, of the HSEís Injuries Reduction Programme, said: ìAround 170,000 people in the UK suffer deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work. The revised regulations are an important step towards reducing this figure.î

RNID spokesperson Mark Hoda said: ìBecause noise damage is cumulative and the effects not immediate, employers often fail to enforce hearing protection for their staff. A simple measure of wearing quality ear plugs would protect these workers from long-term irreparable damage.î

Sound Off will feature special sessions for the construction and manufacturing industry, as well as for local government, and music and entertainment. Speakers at the conference will include Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, minister responsible for health and safety at the Department for Work and Pensions, Lawrence Waterman, President of IOSH and Evelyn Glennie OBE, renowned percussionist and BAFTA nominee.

More details about Sound Off can be found by visiting www.sound-off.co.uk or calling 020 7921 8066.

For more information on health and safety for small businesses visit www.safestartup.org. Plus, read and discuss the latest health, safety and environmental issues at www.iosh.co.uk/discussion.