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Noise
[ch 8: page 137]The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 are based on the EU Physical Agents (Noise) Directive. They 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. They include provisions requiring employers to consult with safety reps on risk assessment, on actions to reduce risk and on the choice of hearing protection.
HSE, Noise at work: Guidance for employers on the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, can be downloaded from the HSE website (www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l108.pdf).
The HSE Noise web pages are at: www.hse.gov.uk/noise.
TUC advice on working in a noisy environment is available to download from its website (https://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace-issues/health-and-safety/noise-and-vibration).
Advice for those working in the music and entertainment industries can be found on the Sound Advice website at: http://www.soundadvice.info. It has been produced by a working group including the Musicians’ Union and the actors’ union Equity and the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU).
Although unions welcomed the regulations, the CWU communication workers’ union points out that they do not tackle “acoustic shock”. Acoustic shock is a sudden “spike” of noise, common in call centres that can cause tinnitus and hypersensitivity to loud sounds.
CWU information on acoustic shock can be found on the Noise page of its website (www.cwu.org/departments-services/health-safety-and-environment/healthsome-work-environments/noise).
The CWU guidance includes reference to the Acoustic Safety Programme, which contains updates and news stories including the hearing campaign, equipment testing and call centre staff training at: www.acousticsafety.org.