Workplace noise can pose significant risks to the health and well-being of employees, making it crucial for companies to adhere to strict regulations set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

Exposure to high levels of noise can lead to hearing damage, stress, and even accidents due to reduced concentration. The aim of the Noise at Work Regulations 2005 is to ‘ensure that workers’ hearing is protected from excessive noise at their place of work, which could cause them to lose their hearing and/or to suffer from tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears)’.

Employers must provide hearing protection and / or hearing protection zones when the noise level is 85 dB(A) or more (daily or weekly average exposure).   Employers must assess the risk to workers’ health and provide them with information and training if the noise level is 80 dB(A) or more. An exposure limit value of 87 dB(A) is also stipulated, which takes account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection, above which workers must not be exposed.

AIRO can carry out noise level measurements in the workplace on a task by task basis or for workers personal exposure across a typical day of work.  A noise at work risk assessment report would then be prepared that sets out the measurements, noise risks to the employees and provides mitigation solutions (where necessary).

It should be noted that the HSE require that the risk assessment is carried out by someone compentent to do so.  The measurements and assessment would only be carried out by experienced members of AIRO staff who are members of the Institute of Acoustics and have the knowledge required to carry out the assessment.