Noise at Work
Research has estimated that over 2 million people are exposed to
noise levels at work that may be harmful. Hearing damaged by
exposure to noise in the workplace is permanent and
incurable.
Hearing loss is usually gradual due to prolonged exposure to noise.
It may only be when damage caused by noise over the years combines
with normal hearing loss due to ageing that people realise how deaf
they have become. Hearing damage can also be caused immediately by
sudden, very loud noises. Exposure to noise can also cause
tinnitus, which is a sensation of noises in the ears where affected
people may experience ringing or buzzing and can
occur in combination with hearing loss.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
The
Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (the Noise
Regulations) are based on a European Union Directive 2003/10/EC
dated 6 February 2003 requiring similar basic laws throughout
the Union on protecting workers from the risks caused by
noise.
They do not apply to members of the public exposed to noise from
non-work activities, or making an informed choice to go to noisy
places.
From April 2008 workers in the music and entertainment sectors
will be covered by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
(Noise Regulations). For other industry sectors these Regulations
have been in force since April 2006.
Music and entertainment sectors are defined in the Noise
Regulations as all workplaces where:
- Live music is played
- Recorded music is played in a restaurant, bar, public house,
discotheque or nightclub, or alongside live music or a live
dramatic or dance performance.
