Employers are ignoring new noise regulations

Despite new regulations, employers are unaware of importance of reducing noise on site.

Employers are confused about new noise regulations and are burying their heads in the sand, claimed a survey by plant hire specialist Hewden.

"Many think it is as difficult to calculate the noise level as it is vibration, but in fact noise is easily determined," said Hewden health and safety manager Martin Williams.

"Unlike vibration levels, we have found that the noise indicated on the side of a machine is very representative of the readings on site," said Williams.

"The Health & Safety Executive is happy for employers to use figures on the machine and we would echo that," added Williams. He said this was particularly important as people’s perception of noise is often different to the actual noise level.

The survey, carried out by Hewden as part of its Shout About Noise campaign, found that only half of construction workers have had training for working in noise environments and 95% are concerned about hearing damage.

Williams said he was shocked that 72% of respondents had not received hearing tests from employers and two thirds did not use ear defenders.

Regulations that came into force in April cut allowable noise levels by 5dB(A) – equivalent to a 70% reduction – bringing the lower exposure action value down to 80dB(A) beyond which a noise risk assessment must be carried out and an action plan drawn up.

The upper exposure action value is reduced to 85dB(A) beyond which hearing protection equipment is compulsory. The personal exposure limit value is 87dB(A) and may not be exceeded, but this figure is measured at the ear and therefore reduced by hearing protection equipment.

[Contract Journal, 4 October 2006, p 15]