Don't let these New Year's resolutions fall on deaf ears!

Noise measurements specialist, Cirrus Research provides some New Year’s advice for employees

Life and noise go hand-in-hand but the effect of noise is a subject that is rarely considered by individuals on a day-to-day basis.  It is, however, a common workplace hazard that in many cases goes undetected until it is too late and hearing loss for the individual, or individuals, has occurred.  It is with this in mind that Cirrus Research plc, a leading expert in the creation and production of noise measurement instruments, is offering New Year advice on how to prevent over exposure to noise in the workplace.  It is hoped that this guidance will help prevent hearing loss before it happens, allowing individuals’ New Year to go without a bang!

According to HSE statistics it is estimated that approximately 1.7 million workers are exposed to noise above levels considered safe. It is further estimated that around 100,000 people have suffered hearing damage because of their work!  Hearing loss can of course be a problem at any workplace, but workers in the agriculture, mining, construction, manufacturing and transport industries face more exposure to dangerous levels of noise.

James Tingay, Group Marketing Manager at Cirrus Research, offers the following New Year’s resolutions for employees to carry out in 2011:

(1) Ascertain whether there is a noise problem at your work place

If an individual works in a noisy workplace environment the chances are their hearing is at risk.  It is therefore vital that this noise problem is addressed by having an official noise assessment undertaken.

(2)  Employer’s responsibilities

In an attempt to reduce hearing damage within the workplace, noise legislation (Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005) designed to protect hearing and prevent noise nuisance is becoming tougher and more widespread.  As a result of this, employers are expected to measure the level of noise in the workplace so that appropriate preventative action or protective equipment can be introduced.  After all prevention is better than cure!

(3)  Take action

If levels of noise exposure are a problem in the workplace then employers must eliminate the hazardous noise through insulation or other protective methods.

(4)  Ongoing monitoring

Whilst it is the employer’s responsibility to protect employees’ hearing in the workplace, they need the workforce’s help and co-operation to make sure the procedures in place are working effectively.  Continuous feedback is pivotal and once the correct hearing protection is provided it is the duty of the employee to wear and look after it.  A regular workplace noise assessment is also advisable.

James Tingay concludes: “For people who have been blessed with the five senses it is of course important for them to be protected throughout their life.  Unfortunately, many individuals do not realise the damage that noise in the workplace can do to their hearing and in many cases once the damage has been done, it is irreversible.  It is therefore pivotal that both employees and employers are vigilant and utilise the necessary noise prevention methods available helping to ensure a happy and healthy new year for all.”

Formed in 1970, Cirrus Research plc is a leading expert in the creation and production of noise measurement instruments. Specialising in the design and production of noise measurement equipment, the latest scientific and technological developments are utilised to produce noise measurement instrumentation equipment to accurately measure noise and its impact. Manufactured in the UK, Cirrus noise measurement instruments are used in a wide range of different applications and across many different industries.

For more information on Cirrus Research equipment please visit www.cirrusresearch.co.uk or call 0845 230 2434.

Jaymee-lee Tolliday

Marketing Executive at Cirrus Research plc

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