Asons Solicitors Settles £7,000 in Noise-Induced Hearing Loss for Golf Club Manufacturing Worker
Bolton, UK (PRWEB UK) 15 August 2013 -- According to the letter of claim, the worker, now aged 46, was employed as a golf club assembler in the West Midlands-based firm, from 1983 to 2006. During this time, the Asons’ client was allegedly exposed to excessive noise levels, produced by machinery used for the manufacturing of golf clubs.
The Asons’ client confirmed that there were several different types of machines, and approximately 30 people in his department constantly using the tools. The machines in the department were approximately only 2 meters apart. He was contracted to work between 8am and 5pm, from Monday to Friday, plus overtime as and when requested by the company.
According to the letter of claim, the level of noise within the factory was so high, that in order to communicate with other employees, the Asons’ client was left with no alternative other than to shout. Employees at the factory were only permitted one lunch break of 45 minutes, and an extra 15-minute tea break. There was no canteen or break out area provided, leaving no escape from the noisy environment. He had to take his tea breaks and lunch breaks a few meters away from the noisy machinery he would be working on.
According to the letter of claim, it is alleged that the golf club manufacturing firm did not make provisions for suitable and efficient hearing protection for their employees. Moreover, the Company allegedly failed to conduct any noise or risk assessments, which would have determined the noise levels their employees were being exposed to. Any risk or noise assessment would have identified the risk of injury.
The client alleges that suitable and efficient hearing protection to block out noise levels was not provided at any point during his employment. Therefore, a safe system of work was not implemented, which would have protected employees from the foreseeable risk of industrial hearing loss.
Commenting on the case, Asons Solicitors’ Executive, Thomas Fairclough stated that:
“It is alleged that our client spent 23 years working in an extremely loud environment, where hearing safety equipment was not provided. Also, our client’s employer allegedly failed to carry out hearing tests, create, retain or review health records, and offer advice about the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
“Our client was not made aware of the risks of noise exposure at any point of his employment, and was unaware of the permanent injury that could be caused. Furthermore, he was not provided with any training or instruction.”
Fortunately, cases of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), or industrial deafness, have slowly been decreasing 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 worsened, by high levels of noise at work. (1)
Asons Solicitors suggest that if someone would like to learn more about the industrial deafness claims process, or if they would like to better understand how to make claims for 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
ENDS
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.uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk
John King, Asons Solicitors, http://www.asons.co.uk, +44 8448408012, [email protected]
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