Occupational Hearing Loss
Measures could and should have been implemented, following consideration of any risk assessments, to reduce noise levels or exposure times.
Bolton, UK (PRWEB UK) 22 August 2013
The 10dB noise-induced hearing loss, confirmed by medical report, led the former brick maker to make a claim for hearing loss compensation. After months of comprehensive research and legal work, Asons Solicitors have secured the deserved settlement for their client.
According to the letter of claim, the worker, now aged 73, was employed as brick maker from 1955 to 1973. During this time, he was exposed to excessive noise levels, produced by various types of machinery, including presses, grinding machines and brick makers.
The client alleges that, the operation produced constant loud noise, with at least 12 machines situated in the department. The level of noise within the factory was so high, that the men employed there were only able to communicate by shouting. He worked shifts of eight and a half hour days, six days per week. Employees at the factory were only permitted one lunch break of 30 minutes.
According to the letter of claim, it is alleged that suitable and efficient hearing protection was not provided at any point during his employment. Therefore a safe system of work was not enforced, which would have protected him from the risk of occupational deafness.
It is also alleged, that the firm also failed to conduct any noise or risk assessments, preventing them from establishing the noise levels to which their employees were being exposed. Any risk or noise assessment would have identified the risk of injury.
Commenting on the case, Asons Solicitor’s Executive, Suzanne Yates stated that:
“It is alleged that our client spent over fifteen years working in an extremely loud environment, where suitable and efficient hearing protection was not provided. Our client’s employer also failed to carry out employee hearing tests, create, retain or review occupational health records and offer advice about the risk of injury.
“Measures could and should have been implemented, following consideration of any risk assessments, to reduce noise levels or exposure times. Maintaining such a level would have reduced or eliminated the risk of our Client, avoiding the noise-induced hearing loss injury he sustained.”
Fortunately, cases of noise-induced hearing loss, or industrial deafness, have slowly been decreasing year on year over the past three years. Despite the improvements made, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics between 2009/10 and 2011/12 suggest that around 19,000 industrial deafness cases were reported, that were either caused, or made worse, by high levels of noise at work. (1)
Asons Solicitors suggest that if someone would like to learn how to make claims for hearing loss, or if they would like to better understand occupational hearing loss, that information is available at http://www.asons.co.uk, or via an expert helpline on 01204 521 133
(1) HSE Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) In Great Britain hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/deafness/ - HSE July 2013
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About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
For further information contact:
Email: info@asons.co.uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk