UK: Noise at work regulations falling on deaf ears - Norwich Union

Businesses have been slow to respond to impending legal changes affecting noise at work, according to Norwich Union.

Despite the 6 April 2006 dateline when the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 come into effect, evidence suggests that only a handful of firms are preparing adequately for them.

Phil Grace, casualty risk manager at Norwich Union, says: “Though requests for Norwich Union Risk Services’ courses on noise and vibration are greater this year than last, the demand for knowledge about the new regulations could only be called a trickle rather than a surge.”

Following on from the EU Physical Agents (Noise) Directive, the new regulations will lower the threshold of how many decibels are considered acceptable in the workplace. Under existing health and safety legislation, businesses issued with improvement notices for noise can end up in court if they don’t comply.

Grace adds: “Those firms familiar with the demands of noise at work legislation are already taking action, but those not switched on to it tend to respond only when the enforcement authorities get involved.

“There is often a delay between legislation being implemented and action being taken in the workplace. While noise is an important issue, companies will focus more on obvious health and safety hazards such as working at height or chemical safety.

“However, damage to hearing at work remains a significant risk to business in terms of potential claims and managers need to know what actions to take now.”

For further information about noise and vibration courses, contact Norwich Union Risk Services on Tel: 0500 55 99 77.

-ends-

For further information, please contact:
Jon Clements at Staniforth on 0161 274 0100/ 07989 414486 
Sally Leeman at Norwich Union on 01603 684225/ 07800 699670

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