Asons Solicitors Settles £2,500 for Client’s Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Claim
Bolton, UK (PRWEB UK) 30 July 2013 -- According to the letter of claim, the worker, now aged 56, was employed as Quality Auditor in the Rugby-based firm between 1992 and 2011. It is alleged that, during this time, he was exposed to excessive noise levels, produced by various types of machinery.
The Asons client worked primarily in supervising large, mechanical, industrial machines. Approximately six twin tracked machines and a single tracked machine were in operation on the floor. These machines were made from metal and were air powered; as metal parts collided with one another, banging and hissing noises were produced as the machines operated.
This operation produced constant loud noise, with at least 7 machines in the factory, spaced roughly 1.2metres part. As a Quality Auditor, Asons’ client had to stay in close proximity of the machinery for most of the working day.
According to the letter of claim, it is alleged that the engineering firm did not provide the worker with any hearing safety equipment for the first 15 years of his employment, by which time it is believed that excessive hearing damage had already taken place. The Asons’ client advised that the use of the hearing protection was not enforced until 2010, and therefore a safe system of work was not enforced, which would have protected him from the risk of occupational deafness.
According to the letter of claim, it is 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, Thomas Fairclough stated that:
“It is alleged that our client spent 15 years working in an extremely loud environment, where protective hearing equipment was not provided. Also, our client’s employer allegedly failed to carry out employee hearing tests, create, retain or review occupational health records and offer advice about the risk of injury.
“Our client was not made aware of the risks of noise exposure, and he was unaware of the injury that could be caused.”
According to industrialdeafness.org, the lower exposure action level set out to employers by the Health and Safety Executive is an 80dB weekly or daily average exposure level. At this level, the employer must be responsible for providing employees with training and information on noise levels, as well as making hearing protection available to staff.
Failing to provide adequate training and hearing protection can cause hearing problems, especially in industries that have higher rates of noise-induced hearing loss such as construction, music, engineering and factory work (1)
Asons Solicitors suggest that if someone would like to learn more about the hearing loss claim process, 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) Industrial Deafness - Causes of industrial deafness - industrialdeafness.org.uk/causes-of-industrial-deafness 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(at)asons(dot)co(dot)uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk
John King, Asons Solicitors, http://www.asons.co.uk, 08448 408 012, [email protected]
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