By Gavin Scarr Hall, Director of Health & Safety at Peninsula
Tinnitus affects around 10% of adults in the UK. That’s around six million people that experience a ringing, buzzing, hissing or other sounds in the ears or head, to varying degrees.
For some people, it can be ignored or might be a mild annoyance. But for others, tinnitus can have a negative impact on their mental health, relationships and working life.
In fact, a survey conducted by RNID, 42% of tinnitus sufferers said the condition had an adverse effect on their work.
With the main effects being poor concentration, difficulty in hearing, and exclusion from conversation, it’s no surprise.
Many keep it hidden from their employer and colleagues as they fear it might affect their job prospects. However, if undisclosed it can cause a daily struggle.
Tinnitus Week aims to facilitate conversation about the condition, and explore ways in which to effectively reduce risk, and manage it.
So where does the condition come from?
Tinnitus is caused by a prolonged exposure to loud noise, or even an isolated blast of loud noise.
Who is at risk of getting it?
Those who spend time in environments where sound levels regularly exceed 80-85dB are at greater risk.
These means employees in certain industries, including factory and construction workers, delivery drivers, agricultural workers, nursery workers, airside ground staff, dentists, rock musicians, bar staff and motorcycle couriers, to name just a few.
Employers have a duty of care, under a range of relevant legislation including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, to protect staff from loud or prolonged noise.
They must assess and identify measures to eliminate or reduce risks from noise exposure to protect the hearing of employees.
Here are some tips for making your workplace safer:
- Read Peninsula’s guidance on Noise at Work for employers
- Provide protection from excessive noise levels, such as ear plugs or ear defenders
- Make sure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded
- Provide employees with information, instruction, and training
- Carry out health surveillance where there is a risk to health
- Consider the sound levels of power tools and machinery when buying new equipment
- Book a workplace noise assessment
- For employees with tinnitus, organise assessments to identify equipment, support and any reasonable adjustments that can help them work more easily
- Make employees aware that sound therapy products are available that offer tinnitus relief
Taking proactive steps to minimize the risks of tinnitus for your workforce will avoid problems further down the line.
Creating an open culture where concerns around tinnitus, or any other medical issue, can be raised and discussed, will ensure your employees feel supported. It will also enable you to assess and implement the appropriate and effective measures to support wellbeing and preserve productivity and motivation.
Compensation for severe tinnitus and noise induced hearing loss can vary from £27,890 to £42,730; no small sum for most businesses.
Not only is it in the best interest for your employees’ health to assess and address noise exposure, it’s also imperative to avoid costly claims.
