NEWS & PR

Stop that Noise!

15 July 2005

The new Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 are due to come into force on 15 February 2006 and are the result of an EU-led initiative - the Physical Agents (Noise) Directive. These new Regulations will help to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss and the supporting guidance will contain simple practical measures that employers can take to reduce exposure to noise at work.

Damage to hearing from exposure to loud noise at work is a significant and yet preventable problem. Research estimates that 170,000 people in the UK suffer deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of excessive noise at work. The problem occurs in many workplaces, but particularly in the manufacturing and construction industries, as well as farms, transport operations, mines and quarries. This year's campaign seeks to draw attention to the practical issues and ways of controlling noise in different working environments.

It may indeed be possible to eliminate excessive noise at source in some cases but often it will be more realistic to control noise to get down to a more reasonable level; to amend work patterns to reduce exposure; and after that to provide workers with suitable hearing protection. Very often there will be proven solutions available to help employers reduce noise in their workplace.

For more information visit www.hse.gov.uk/noise