noise

    Noise Protection Istock 1160999633 Credit Welcomia

    HSE inspections target hearing protection and noise control failures

    The Health and Safety Executive is currently conducting an inspection programme looking at the adequacy of employers’ noise control measures, while changes to how compensation claims for noise-induced hearing loss are assessed are predicted to result in higher payouts for affected workers. As a result, it is crucial employers review their noise risk reduction approach to ensure it reflects current best practice.

    By Peter Wilson, INVC on 07 March 2025

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    The sustainable approach to noise control carbon footprints

    Conventional noise control techniques for plant and machinery incorporate considerable embodied carbon due to the volume and types of materials used – and often result in higher energy demand due to problems like an increased need for cooling fans. However, adopting modern analysis and engineering processes means the costs and carbon footprints of typical noise control projects can be cut by up to 90 per cent.

    By Peter Wilson, INVC on 05 March 2025

    Minuendo Hard Hats

    Why personalised noise monitoring is critical for preventing noise-induced hearing loss

    Intelligent hearing protection technology is now available that provides personalised data about an individual’s noise exposure, making it easier to both spot workers at greatest risk of hearing damage and identify ways of reducing noise exposure.

    By Neal Muggleton, Minuendo on 11 March 2024

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    Make sure you buy quiet

    Noise emission data from machinery manufacturers can help purchasers identify the most suitable machine when buying or hiring new equipment, but it’s also essential to maintain the machinery correctly to minimise the noise levels.

    By Darren Hugheston-Roberts, TÜV SÜD on 12 March 2024

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    Preventing hearing damage and cutting costs: practical noise control is key

    Employers often wrongly assume that noise control techniques for machinery are both costly and impractical. In fact, simple, very low-cost engineering modifications that anyone can implement are often all that are required – and they may even be self-financing.

    By Peter Wilson, Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre (INVC) on 14 March 2024

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    Protecting workers’ hearing: it’s time to change our approach

    The risk of workers suffering hearing damage from harmful levels of noise at work could be slashed by as much as 90 per cent by adopting the latest noise control best practice techniques.

    By Peter Wilson, Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre (INVC) on 15 March 2023

    Headphones Hearing Office Worker Istock 1208855996 Credit Fizkes

    Listen up: why headphones pose a risk to workers’ hearing

    Workers could be damaging their hearing while wearing headphones for recreational use at work, so it’s vital that employers take action to control the risks.

    By Stephen Wheatley, UK Hearing Conservation Association on 01 March 2023

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    Managing office noise post-pandemic

    A noisy office can be a cause of stress but there are some simple workplace design adjustments that can help mitigate the impact.

    By Guy Osmond, Osmond Ergonomics on 01 March 2023

    Dr David Greenberg, Founder and director, Eave

    Why the UK’s noise regulations fall short in protecting workers’ hearing

    Although UK employers have long had a duty to prevent their employees suffering noise-induced hearing loss, a huge swath of workers continue to be exposed to loud noise at work, due to a combination of cultural, technological and regulatory failures.

    By Dr David Greenberg, Founder and director, Eave. on 01 March 2023

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    Cutting through the noise

    Advances in hearing protection technology are making it easier to warn workers in real-time to protect themselves from hearing damage – and spot those who could be at greatest risk.

    By Neal Muggleton, Minuendo on 26 July 2022

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