Health and safety requirements for work sites ensure the limitations of noise exposure, from the lowest levels to the excessive which would result in permanent damage over time. Noise is measured in decibels (dB(A)), with the lower exposure action value (accepted lower noise limit) is 80dB(A), while the upper exposure action value is 85dB(A). 87dB(A) is the exposure limit value; it must not be exceeded as repeated exposure will surely affect hearing. 

 

Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 state that it is the employer’s responsibility to assess the risk of noise while employees are a work, reduce exposure to these risks, provide hearing protection, maintain the protection and noise limit, provide training to employees and finally to carry out health surveillance on employees. 

 

Loud noises that can affect workers while being used can include power tools, machinery and plant. Hearing loss can occur gradually over time from exposure to noise at work over long a period of time, or from extremely loud sudden noises. This can split into temporary and permanent hearing loss, with temporary loss being a sign that if continued noise exposure occurs, it will result in permanent loss. A side effect of hearing loss can be tinnitus, characterised as a ringing or buzzing noise. If workers have trouble hearing others from at close proximity, it is a sign that ear damage has been sustained. 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reported in the 12 months to 31 March 2021, 142 workers in GB lost their lives at work, compared to the record low of 111 in 2019/2020. 

 

This increase is seen against a background of furloughed workers, Covid 19 affecting work generally and an accompanied 10% reduction in weekly hours worked (ONS figures). Last year’s low has been linked to the slow economic activity during the first wave of the pandemic in March 2020. Also, this year’s figure has risen above the 5-year average of 136 workplace fatalities, suggesting that safety standards have fallen. In addition, Covid 19 deaths have not been included in figures. 

 

The construction, agriculture and manufacturing sectors have all recorded an increase in fatalities in the 12 months to March 2021, construction 39 deaths, agriculture 34 and manufacturing 20. Comparisons with earlier years however is difficult due the effects of the pandemic. 

 

The reason for this increase is unclear, it may be due to the introduction of Covid 19 measures, or it could be due to the pressures of the pandemic overwhelming workplace safety matters. 

In the first instance, it is a legal requirement that employees are competent to undertake required tasks in a safe way. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (HSWA) 1974 states that employers need to provide whatever information, instruction, training and supervision is necessary to ensure, "so far as is reasonably practicable", the safety of their employees and others affected by their activities. 

 

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR) 1999, outlines where safety training is most important, e.g. when people start work, on exposure to new or increased risks and update skills and knowledge where needed. The MHSWR require employees to consider the capabilities, training, knowledge and experience of workers and ensure that the demands of their work do not exceed their ability to carry out their role without risk to themselves and others.