Hi All, our factory has made it compulsory for all employees to wear ear defenders on the shop floor, either ear muffs or banded ear plugs, however, we have employees whom are complaining that these types effect thier vitigo and have doctors notes etc to back this up. I wondered if anyone has experience in this field and could suggest alternative types of ear protection that are also metal detectable. Many thanks Safety-man1

Hi has to be a very very quick reply. Has risk assessment been shared with employees to ensure correct attenuation is provided. (too much may cause feeling of isolation) you could provide tool box talk on dangers of damaged hearing - play HSE sound clip!! http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/demonstration.htm Lots of other info here http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise Once people know why it's so important reluctance might ease - then provide a choice, muffs, plugs etc that are suitable. You can even get custom made stuff. If you need help use your PPE supplier and request a rep from 3M or Moldex (others exist) Then as above refer any persons with medical issues to an occ health provider for review and risk assess accordingly. If they can't wear the required PPE and have issues with the ears you have a greater duty of care! They also may not be able to do the work. But before you go down this route also ensure the RA is suitable and sufficient, are noise levels calculated for the individual? If so can you half time in the area and reduce exposure to below the guidance levels? Can you provide noise reduction at source... etc etc etc Good luck please excuse random splash of info at high speed :)

Certainly not denying vertigo as a recognised condition,rather I was attempting to clarify safety-man's no doubt hastily typed phrase " effect thier vitigo" Indeed there are many varieties of vestibular disorder, such as benign positional vertigo. However this can be associated with tinnitus and hearing loss and therefore the conundrum safety-man may face here is that these people are owed an increased duty of care due to their existing condition - a real conundrum when they object to wearing certain PPE!! Thus the suggestion of Occ. Health referral.