Noise

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into force for most sectors in 2006 and were extended to the music and entertainment sectors in April 2008. The regulations are based on the EU Physical Agents (Noise) Directive. They were amended slightly by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments and Revocations) Regulations 2009.

The regulations cover virtually all workplaces with few exceptions, including workplaces where the risk of noise may not be immediately obvious. For example, they apply to motorcycle couriers and to call centre workers exposed to noise through headphones. Unions welcomed the regulations, particularly after a specific provision was included following union concerns, to make employers consult with safety reps on risk assessment, on actions to reduce risk and on the choice of hearing protection.

However, the CWU communication workers’ union points out that the regulations do not tackle the growing problem of acoustic shock. Acoustic shock is a sudden “spike” of noise, common in call centres that can cause tinnitus and hypersensitivity to loud sounds.