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Posted By Alan Murphy
I just want to see if i understand this subject correctly, especially with the impending noise regulation changes.
I have worked for two companies the Coal board and a textiles firm that had compulsory hearing protection but still gave hearing tests to all people every 2 years or so. Is this something that comes under health surveillance after the risk assessment of course.
Is it also done simply to have a start point of how bad the hearing is at the time of starting with a company, so that if there is any claims in future you are ensuring you do not get 100% liability
Do most people do this or is it optional, any thoughts or feelings greatly appreciated
HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR to everyone also
Alan
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Alan
Initial audiometry will establish an employee's hearing ability and should limit the liability of a company in the event of a claim, as you say. Regular audiometry thereafter will check the efficacy of a hearing protection programme since hearing loss, over and above that due to aging, will show those who, for whatever reason, are not adequately protected from excessive noise.
Paul
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Posted By Alan Murphy
So are you saying where hearing protection is mandatory you would consider hearing tests a must.
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Posted By OJ
How else can you proove that your hearing protection programme is protecting your employees hearing?
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Posted By Smurfer
From the new regs:
9. —(1) If the risk assessment indicates that there is a risk to the health of his employees who are, or are liable to be, exposed to noise, the employer shall ensure that such employees are placed under suitable health surveillance, which shall include testing of their hearing.
Basically, if you're providing hearing protection then you are accepting there is a risk to health and therefore should implement audiometric testing.
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Posted By Alan Murphy
I agree fully, but just to play devils advocate here, you could say that wearing hearing protection they are keeping them below the hazardous levels. But the previous point is also very valid that how do you know your measures are working if you dont re-test and it gives the company the protection against further claims.
Thanks all again for your very helpful advice
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Posted By Smurfer
Ahh, but, Alan, how do you know the employees are using the hearing protection properly? It's a shame there's no 'fit test' like there is for respirators.
;-)
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