HSE launches campaign to address workplace noise and vibration risks

Around 15,000 workers develop hearing problems caused or made worse by work every year, with an estimated one in five workers exposed to harmful levels of noise at work. 

Launched during Bone and Joint Health Week, the campaign builds on HSE’s efforts to reduce HAVS, including its Prevention Programme’s HAVS Risk Reduction Pledge.

The new campaign encourages employers to follow a three-step approach to prevent hearing loss, tinnitus and vibration-related ill health:

• Assess – identify who may be exposed to noise and vibration, understand the risks and carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments.
• Control – reduce exposure at source by choosing quieter or lower-vibration equipment, maintaining tools and machinery, introducing engineering controls and adopting safer ways of working.
• Protect – where risks remain, provide suitable hearing protection, arrange health surveillance where required, and give workers the information, instruction and training they 
  need to protect themselves. 

Prolonged or excessive exposure to noise can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. Hand-arm vibration, meanwhile, can lead to HAVS and carpal tunnel syndrome, causing numbness, tingling, pain and reduced grip strength. HSE says these conditions can affect workers’ ability to do their jobs and carry out everyday activities, sometimes for the rest of their lives.

Noise and vibration are common workplace hazards across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, utilities, waste management, engineering, maintenance, and entertainment and events. Exposure often arises from the tools, machinery and equipment used every day.

Chris Steel, HSE principal specialist inspector (noise and vibration), said: “Noise and vibration-related ill health is preventable, but the consequences can last a lifetime. Workers may not realise they’re being harmed until their hearing is affected, or they begin to experience pain, numbness or tingling in their hands and arms. Employers shouldn’t wait for symptoms to appear. They need to identify where workers are at risk, reduce exposure and make sure the right controls are in place.” 

He added: “We’ve already seen organisations demonstrate their commitment to tackling vibration risks through the HAVS Risk Reduction Pledge. This campaign helps employers turn that commitment into practical action. Taking action early can protect workers’ health and prevent conditions that can affect their lives for years to come.”

Employers have legal duties under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 to assess and control noise and vibration risks. 

The campaign complements HSE’s Prevention Programme aimed at reducing vibration-related ill health, including the HAVS Risk Reduction Pledge. The pledge encourages organisations to commit to reducing vibration-related ill health through effective risk management, worker involvement and long-term prevention.

Practical tools, guidance and resources to help employers assess noise and vibration risks, put effective controls in place and prevent life-changing occupational ill health can be found here.