This may seem like a strange question, but noise in the workplace is a very common occurrence in industries such as manufacturing, construction, engineering and mining as well as excavation. It is an issue that is disruptive for employees, as well as employers and is also a workplace health and safety legal requirement.
With an estimated 15,000 cases last year of noise-induced hearing loss in the UK, employees are suffering and business owners face staff absenteeism as well as risking external assessments by health and safety officers from local authorities. It’s important for businesses to take the problem of noise hazards seriously and listen to sound advice on minimising the risks, how to be compliant and avoid potential fines.
Recognising The Four Red Flags
The first step is to perform a quick and easy 4-step self assessment to examine potential noise issues.
- Intrusive Noise – Can you hear workplace production from your office areas?
- Power Tools – Do operators use power tools for more than half an hour per day?
- The 2m Rule – Do operators need to raise their voice to communicate with someone two metres, six and a half feet, away?
- Impacts – Do operators use impact tools in any working procedures?
If any of these steps apply to business operations, then employers must take action to comply with the legislation.
Protecting Everyone from Workplace Noise
Staff wellbeing and absenteeism, employee tribunal disputes and assessments from health and safety departments are just three reasons that a workplace noise assessment should be part of your risk management strategy.
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