Noise

Hearing damage caused by exposure to noise at work can be permanent and incurable. HSE research estimates that over 1 million people are exposed to noise levels at work that may be harmful, and cases of people receiving compensation for noise induced hearing loss or damage are increasing every year.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 implements the Physical Agents (Noise) Directive (2003/10/EC). The 2005 Regulations came into force in April 2006, with the aim of ensuring the protection of “workers hearing” to excessive noise whilst at work.