Noise at work

Noise at Work is a significant area for concern and a growing source of legislation.  High noise levels not only occur on the factory floor. They can cause problems in vehicles, on building sites and in call centres.  Noise is a recognised source of stress and illness and offices need to be designed to minimise this as well as to provide privacy and confidentiality.

Regulations

The 2005 Control of Noise at Work Regulations require the employer to:

• Assess the risks to employees from noise at work
• Take action to reduce the noise exposure that produces those risks
• Provide employees with hearing protection if noise exposure cannot be reduced enough by using other methods
• Make sure the protectors give enough protection, at least to get below 80dB(A) at the ear
• Make sure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded
• Provide employees with information, instruction and training
• Carry out health surveillance where there is a risk to health

Further guidance

Further guidance and information is available from the HSE – “Guidance for employers on the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005”, along with a pocket guide for employees – “Protect your hearing or lose it”.