Occupational Deafness

What is Occupational Deafness?

Occupational Deafness is a loss or reduction of hearing ability which has been caused by working in a place where there are or were excessive noise levels.

It is the second most common form of acquired deafness, after ageing. A recent survey suggests that nearly 80,000 people in Great Britain suffer from a hearing problem caused by work.

Who can Claim?

Anyone who can show that they have suffered damage to their hearing as a result of their employer failing to warn and protect them from excessive noise levels at work, can make a personal injury claim for Occupational Deafness.

You cannot claim, however, if you are deaf as a result of old age or illness.

Is your employer at fault?

Employers have an obligation to comply with the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 and other Health and Safety legislation. This means that they should carry out Risk Assessments to establish whether there is a risk of such hearing damage to the employees.

There is also an obligation to provide employees with a safe system of work. This may mean using tools and equipment that generates a lower level of noise or, where this is not possible, providing protective equipment for their employees.

Employers should implement a “Policy of Prevention” to reduce the risk of hearing damage to employees. This policy may include:

• enclosing or segregating noisy machinery so that not all employees are subject to high noise levels
• fitting silencers or changing the way machinery is mounted to make it quieter
• insulating noisy machinery to reduce the noise levels
• providing ear muffs and/or ear plugs.These must be fitted properly in order to be effective.The employer should make sure that ear muffs fit over and around the outer ear, with correct headband tension and avoiding hair or glasses that will impair the seal and therefore the protection. Ear plugs need to be of the appropriate shape (torpedo nose shaped plugs are best) and correctly inserted.

What we will do for you

• We will give you a free initial consultation to establish a precise and clear understanding of your claim
• We will investigate the claim on your behalf
• We will guide and support you through the process
• We will keep you informed
• We will arrive, with your approval, at the best possible outcome

What To Do Next

Call our Personal Injury Department on 01908 692769.

We are Members of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.