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Written by
on 18 August 2010

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Hearing Safety at work

The UK has over 9 million people with some type of hearing loss. The reason for hearing loss amongst those varies from age related hearing loss to a medical condition related hearing loss. Some however have lost their hearing either fully or partially due to poor hearing health and safety practices. Loud noise is part of everyday life and it’s hard to escape from, however prolonged exposure to noise such as at the work place can lead to permanent damage. Here is a selection of hearing health and safety tips to help you reduce the likelihood of hearing loss.

Hearing Health and Safety Tips:

1. Prevention – Do not put yourself in extreme noisy situations if you can avoid it. For example, if riding a motorcycle is part of your work, consider wearing a full faced helmet as apposed to any other type as it will reduce the extreme noise generated by the wind at high speeds.

2. Wear hearing protection – If you are given hearing protection and trained on how to use them, be it muffs or ear plugs always wear them. This protection should be warn at all times while at work and removed only at safe areas as designated by the health and safety team or by the employer.

3. Care for the hearing protection – Products are only as good as the condition at which they are kept. Treat your hearing protection with great care, it will help you save your hearing. If you are unsure how to care  and maintain the protection which you are given then your employer will help explain.

4. Share your concerns – If you feel you are placed in a situation which exposes your hearing to loud noise without the appropriate protection, you must flag it up immediately. It pays to be proactive when it comes to your wellbeing.

5. Pay attention to instructions – Make sure you understand what is required from you and how you are meant to deal with loud noise. Follow any working methods that are put in place.

6. Test your hearing – If you suspect your hearing might be impaired consider seeing your GP for a hearing test. You might also consider taking an online hearing check, though this check does not replace an audiologist or GP hearing test

If you still have any unanswered questions about your hearing health and safety you can speak with a health and safety consultant, your health and safely team or your employer.

Tips by the team at Hearing Direct which offers a range of hearing protection as well as a wide range of hearing aids for those with a hearing disability.

About 

A chartered (fellow) safety and risk management practitioner with 20+ years of experience. David provides a healthy dose of how-to articles, advice and guidance to make compliance easier for construction professionals, Architects and the built environment. Get social with David on Twitter and Linkedin.

A chartered (fellow) safety and risk management practitioner with 20+ years of experience. David provides a healthy dose of how-to articles, advice and guidance to make compliance easier for construction professionals, Architects and the built environment. Get social with David on Twitter and Linkedin.

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