Hi Mick.

Can I say first of all how encouraged I am that you have been asked to do this, and I hope you are not being encouraged to find ways not to, that would be discrimination.

A deaf person will more than compensate by being many times is visually observant, and as I assume most of the other drivers are wearing hearing protection. (?) That levels the playing field somewhat.

If you approach this from the point of view that no worker should be reliant on hearing a hazard coming to stay safe (in a noisy environment) then I think this person can contribute to the overall safety of the operation. It is up to you to find a way to make this reasonable accommodation. Let's face it, if you wanted someone's attention and they were in visual range, you would probably wave or flag them down, this worker is actually more likely to notice that than a hearing person. I assume that in a noisy environment, alarms such as fire will be visual as well as audible? Vibration alert and text messaging can break down barriers. You would be surprised how many family members of deaf persons who don't sign use texting as the main method of communicating.

A big part of your problem will be retraining your hearing workers in the proper etiquette to work with this person, but that in itself can be a really positive thing, it could help engage staff in all aspects of H&S.

I would love to work with you on this, if you will allow me. Accommodation of ability is something I feel strongly about, though I am no expert so I can only make suggestions. I would consider it as CPD for me so if I can help from afar (research and critical examination) then please let me know (pm me)

regards, Dave