The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is one of the most important regulators in the UK, working to ensure people are safe in various workplaces. Sadly, a report last month found serious failings in terms of noise and hearing protection. We want to have a closer look at their findings and recommendations here. Then, if you need solutions like an in-line silencer, you can rely on us to design, build, and install them.
Alarming figures
HSE’s report has a number of worrying figures, finding that many businesses have serious gaps when it comes to implementing noise controls. Most alarmingly is the fact that 75% of workplaces had noise levels that mean workers require mandatory hearing protection. However, 63% of people said they had not had sufficient guidance about wearing PPE continuously.
Additionally, over three quarters of employees did not have basic knowledge of how to look after hearing protection equipment. Crucially, they had issues with storage and checking for faults. A large number of employees also did not know how to report issues with their hearing protection.
All businesses should know they have an obligation to protect employees from excessive noise, including providing suitable hearing protection. They should also explore if things like an in-line silencer would be more effectively. On top of that, it is crucial to follow up and make sure people wear PPE correctly, know how to manage it, and have all relevant training.
HSE also found that a massive 95% of employers forget to check that workers wearing hearing protection could still hear safety warnings. This is a really important thing to verify. Employees wearing any kind of hearing protection, including ear plugs or ear defenders, should still be able to hear fire alarms, reversing warnings from different vehicles, and other alerts. If they can’t, it creates serious hazards.
Improving standards
The report from HSE has been met with disappointment from many stakeholders. There are now recommendations to improve standards, close gaps in implementation, and protect employees. Noise induced hearing loss is one of the biggest occupational health problems in the world. Exposure to consistently loud noise on a daily and weekly basis at work means there is a real chance of irreparable hearing damage.
The main recommendation is to conduct risk assessments to determine the noise level in workplaces. Then, businesses will need to act if the sound exceeds the limits specified in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure employees have the relevant training to use and manage hearing protection. They should be empowered to use the PPE effectively and report any problems.
Try solutions like an in-line silencer
Hearing protection can be effective against noise in various workplaces. However, it may not be enough in some cases. There is also the risk that employees will use it incorrectly, even if they have sufficient knowledge and training. With all of that in mind, it can be better to look at more permanent solutions. That is especially important if daily/weekly noise is 87 dB.
One of the best things you can do here is try formal solutions like an in-line silencer or other models. Ventx is the ideal partner if you want to create exceptional engineered solutions. We use acoustic modelling equipment and our wealth of experience to deliver the best products for clients. They can effectively address noise from a variety of sources.
So, contact us if you want to get on top of noise in any kind of workplace.
