Noise at work

Problems with high noise levels

How noisy is your workplace? Approximately one third of Europe's workers (more than 60 million people) are exposed to high levels of noise for more than one quarter of their working time.

Our ears contain cilia, which are tiny hair cells that enable us to hear. Exposure to noise can cause irreversible damage to these cells, resulting in permanent hearing loss. 

Start quote
Exposure to noise may pose a number of health risks to workers. For example, the risk of tinnitus, a ringing, hissing or booming sensation in the ears, is increased.
End quote
The Health & Safety Executive estimates that 170,000 people in the UK suffer damage to their hearing, or related conditions, because they have been exposed to excessive noise at work. Those employed in construction, manufacturing, call centres and music industries are particularly vulnerable. However, it does not mean that schools should rest on their laurels. 

 The Control of Noise at Work Regulations, came into force in 2006.   These Regulations apply to educational establishments and mean that   employers have a legal duty to protect their employees from the harmful effects of noise at work. 

Exposure to noise may pose a number of health risks to workers. For example, the risk of tinnitus, a ringing, hissing or booming sensation in the ears, is increased, whilst high or prolonged levels of noise can affect an unborn child. Noise can also lead to accidents by distracting employees, as well as contributing to work-related stress. 

Under the Regulations noise levels will be set at a maximum of 87 decibels (dB). Employers will therefore be required to take action to reduce noise where the level exceeds 80 dB. 

In practice, this will mean conducting a risk assessment, during the course of which noise levels will be measured. Consideration should therefore be given to preventative measures aimed at reducing the risks posed to employees and others. Consulting the workforce is a legal requirement; ATL therefore expects schools and colleges to consult their safety representatives. 

Many educational establishments were constructed at a time when students were expected to have a quieter demeanour. Consideration will have to be given to reducing noise by, for example, fitting acoustic tiles to classroom ceilings. Exposure to excessive noise at work can result in significant and permanent hearing damage. Schools should take steps to ensure that they address this preventable problem.

 

Help and support

For further advice on this issue, ATL members can speak to their school rep, their branch secretary or their regional official. They can also call the London (020 7930 6441), Cardiff (029 2046 5000), Belfast (028 9078 2020) or Edinburgh (0131 272 2748) offices or email info@atl.org.uk

For out of hours enquiries, call the out of office hours helpline on 020 7782 1612 (Monday-Friday, 5-8pm during term time).

If you are not a member, join now.

Useful websites