News

Try the shout test to protect workers’ hearing

By on

Bosses who have to shout at work to get heard may not actually be angry, HSE scientists have said. Instead, they may have a noise problem in their workplace.


Research by HSE’s Workplace Health Expert Committee (WHEC) on noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) shows around a fifth of the British working population could be exposed to high noise levels while doing their job.

While Britain has seen new cases of occupational deafness drop over the past decade, HSE is urging workplaces to consider the ‘shout test’ to manage noise at work and ways to give workers’ ears a break.

HSE noise expert Chris Steel said: “If you are shouting at work and can’t be heard from two metres away, the chances are there’s a noise issue. Try it out for yourself and see if you can be heard.

“Preserving hearing at work is crucial as noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage.

“But there needs to be a balance. While too little noise reduction could cause hearing damage, too much could isolate the worker and lead to accidents.”

"If you are shouting at work and can’t be heard from two metres away, the chances are there’s a noise issue." Photograph: iStock

WHEC’s report says about 20 per cent of the working population in Great Britain could be exposed to high noise levels (>85 dBA).

Statistics on the prevalence of NIHL in Britain is “limited” it says, but workers in the armed services, shipyards, construction, and agriculture are likely to be most affected.
“People often experience temporary deafness after leaving a noisy place like a nightclub or a bar,” Chris Steel continued.

“Although hearing recovers within a few hours, this should not be ignored. It is a sign that if they continue to be exposed to the noise, without an adequate break, their hearing could be permanently damaged. The same applies to noise in a workplace.”

“While the prevalence of occupational noise induced hearing loss has decreased over the last forty years, mostly through noise control technology, the dangers still need to be taken seriously.”

WHEC report here

NEWS


Panel At SHW Live MED

“One ill-judged behaviour can decimate a culture”: leaders debate leadership at SHW Live

By Belinda Liversedge on 20 June 2025

“Your behaviour [as a leader] and your words [are so important in creating] a safe space. People underestimate how much [those below you] are looking and watching you [as a role model],” Jonathon Gawthrop, Chair of the MIND charity Mental Health at Work Council said at SHW Live’s leadership panel. “One [ill-judged] behaviour can decimate a culture.”



Home Working Istock 1208855996 Credit Fizkes (1)

Hybrid working the “new normal” for more than 1 in 4 workers

By Belinda Liversedge on 18 June 2025

Hybrid working, which involves splitting time between the home and office, has become the "new normal" for more than one in four workers, official figures show.



Suicide Depression iStock AngiePhotos

BSI invites views for UK’s first suicide awareness standard

By Belinda Liversedge on 16 June 2025

The first standard dedicated to suicide awareness and education has been put out for public consultation.