Risk Support Services: Noise Assessments
Professional Noise Assessments can help you identify and manage risks arising from excessive noise in the workplace. There are clear legal guidelines relating to the level of noise exposure that is acceptable before actions need to be taken.
Call us on 0330 332 7969 or contact us through the website to discuss Noise Assessments.
What is a safe level of noise exposure in the workplace?
The acceptable level of noise in the workplace is determined by The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. These regulations were stricter than the previous rules from 1989 and came into force in 2006.
At 80 decibels and above, employers must provide information and training on noise exposure to any employees working at such levels. They must also assess the risks to their workers’ health. Beyond 85 decibels, employers must also provide hearing protection.
What does a Noise Assessment involve?
Without a professional Noise Assessment, it can be hard to know the noise levels at your premises. It is important to assess them though, because in common with many work-related illnesses, hearing loss and tinnitus can take many years to emerge, so the risks may not be immediately apparent.
Our consultants have many years’ experience of Noise Assessments and are well-placed to help you assess and manage your risks. In some instances, measurements are not even necessary, but where employees are at risk we will identify those affected and give clear, practical recommendations to manage the relevant risks.
What could the consequences be of failing to carry out professional Noise Assessments?
If you expose employees to excessive amounts of noise, it could result in hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of their work. They might be entitled to claim against you for compensation and you could be investigated by the HSE. This in turn could result in heavy fines or even imprisonment in extreme cases.
Should this happen, failure to carry out a noise assessment and take suitable remedial actions, would almost certainly make matters worse for you, potentially resulting in a more severe penalty.
Call us on 0330 332 7969 or contact us through the website to find out more about Noise Assessments.
About Risk Support Services
We’re part of Butterworth Spengler Commercial Ltd – an independent insurance broking business established in 1924. Noise Assessments are just one of many Health & Safety services we offer to businesses across the UK.