Page 28 - Induction - KDCS Group Generic

Work Related Hearing Loss

• Over 1 million workers are exposed to excessive noise that could
result in exposure to noise levels leading to temporary or

permanent hearing loss (temporary or permanent threshold shift &
tinnitus);

• Employers and contractors have a legal duty to protect their
workers from exposure to noise levels that could result in loss of

hearing;

• Where there is likely to be excessive noise, particularly, but not

limited to the construction, demolition, engineering and
manufacturing industries the employer should organise a Noise
Assessment to be completed by a “competent” person using a

calibrated and suitable noise monitoring meter;

• As a rule, if you have to raise your voice at 2.0 metres to speak to

another person, it is likely that noise levels are over the minimum
action levels;

• Ask to see the Noise Assessment, the company may undertake
periodic audiometry testing of employees;

ACTION LEVELS

• LOWER EXPOSURE ACTION VALUES: Personal daily or weekly
noise exposure levels of 80 db(A), hearing protection should be

available and workers encouraged to wear them;

• UPPER EXPOSURE ACTION VALUES: Personal daily or weekly
noise exposure levels of 87 db(A) and above. Hearing protection
must be worn and management to take “reasonably practicable”
steps to reduce exposure at and above the upper exposure levels;

• Where noise levels are below the action levels and the level is low it

is unlikely any further action will be required;

• Examples of control measures include: low noise purchasing

policy, maintenance of work equipment, acoustic enclosures,
hearing protection zones etc. Refer to HSE Guidance.

25