Not all workplaces are noisy but where workers are exposed to loud noises their hearing could be at risk. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, employers are responsible for taking action to firstly reduce the noise exposure to workers and to then provide employees with personal hearing protection. Hearing protection must be provided to workers who are exposed to noise levels greater than 85 decibels.

To avoid workers losing their hearing, employers need to provide them with information and training on how to correctly wear and use their hearing protection. Workers who don’t know how to wear their hearing protection correctly will not get the maximum protection offered by their ear plugs or ear defenders. This can be due to a number of issues such as: poor fitting technique, not inserting the earplug far enough into the ear canal to block noise adequately, or bad selection; choosing the wrong earplug for the working environment.   

The BSIF recommends employers provide individual fit-testing as hearing is an essential sense for a safe and healthy workplace.    

For further information, please visit: www.bsif.co.uk