If your line of work involves noisy tools or machinery you'll
need to be aware of the dangers of high noise levels in the
workplace and your responsibilities as an employer. An alarming
17,000 people in the UK suffer with hearing loss or other symptoms
of permanent damage like tinnitus or recurring infections due to
work related noise- and once you've lost your hearing, it never
comes back. If you don't look after your employees you risk heavy
compensation fees and loss of reputation as well as an unhappy
workforce, so it's important that you get it right.

The 2005 Control of Noise at Work government regulations
requires employers to minimise the risk of hearing damage in the
workplace. You'll need to take action to reduce exposure to noise
and provide employees with adequate ear protection. Other
requirements include:

* Keep within the legal limits of noise exposure (http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/calculator.htm)

* Ensure all equipment is regularly maintained

* Provide training for all employees so they understand their
own responsibilities with regard to looking after their hearing at
work

* Undertake regular health and safety checks and arrange hearing
tests for all workers regularly exposed to noise

Ensure all workers have regular breaks so they are not exposed
to high noise levels all day and design the layout of your
workplace to allow for "quiet space" away from noisy machinery.
It's also worth regularly reviewing the tools and machinery you use
in your business- modern technology allows for far quieter ways to
get the job done now than ever before, so consider investing in new
machinery if you can.

For more information about how to keep your noise levels
reasonable and protect your workforce, go to http://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm
or contact your local Health and Safety provider.

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