The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational health issues in the UK - but it is also 100% preventable!
Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, where employees are likely to be exposed to hazardous levels of noise, the company must assess the the risk and reduce exposure to as low as is reasonably practicable.
The regulations require workplace noise to be controlled, not just measured. Hearing protection cannot be used as a long-term risk control measure unless it can be proved that employee exposures have been reduced to as low as is reasonably practicable by other means - such as purchasing low noise equipment, introducing noise control measures and reducing exposure time.
When is a noise risk assessment required?
- If employees are likely to be exposed to hazardous levels of noise - do you have noisy machinery, tools or processes? Do you need to raise your voice to be heard 2 metres away?
- If there are any changes which can impact employee noise exposure - such as working patterns, equipment or processes, noise control measures, hearing protection changes, etc.
Our Noise at Work Services
At INVC, we have decades of experience undertaking noise at work assessments and advising our clients on how they can protect their workers' hearing and meet the requirements of the regulations. Our occupational noise services include:
If you suspect that your employees are exposed to hazardous levels of noise, or if you would like to explore options to reduce noise within your workplace, get in touch!
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