noise at work assessments

What are employers required to do?

The CNWR requires employers to either eliminate the risk of exposure to noise for their employees or, where it is not reasonably practicable to do so, to reduce the risk to as low a level as possible. This has to be achieved by implementing a programme of organisational and technical noise control measures that are not limited to just the use of personal hearing protectors.

Where an employee is likely to exceed the lower exposure limit, the CNWR requires the employer to assess the risk to workers’ health and provide them with information, instruction and training. Personal hearing protection must be provided to any employees exposed to noise at levels between the lower and upper exposure action values, although the regulations do not make their use compulsory.

Where workers exceed the upper exposure action value, the CNWR requires employersto provide hearing protection and to ensure their employees use them. The employer also needs to consult with the employees and provide information about the protectors and how to use them correctly.

Where employees are regularly exposed to noise levels above the upper exposure action value, health surveillance should be provided by the employer. Where exposure is between the lower and upper exposure action value, or where employees are only occasionally exposed to levels above the upper exposure action value, health surveillance should be provided to any employees who are particularly sensitive to noise, who have a history of exposure to high levels of noise, or who have existing hearing problems.

The employer must also ensure that the noise exposure noise limit values are not exceeded, after taking into account the benefits provided by appropriate hearing protection.

How can Miller Goodall help?

In order to assess the level of risk to employees, we undertake a site visit during a typical working day. During this visit, we will identify workers that may be affected and undertake measurements of peak and average noise levels of the different tasks undertaken by the employees. Information regarding work patterns will be obtained, including tasks that make up the working day and the length of time spent on each task.

Once a site visit has been made, the results are analysed and the daily noise exposure level is calculated for typical work scenarios.

A full report is issued that provides the results in the format required by the noise regulations, including the survey methodology, calculations and results. Advice is provided on the need to implement hearing protection, together with methods of reducing or eliminating the risk.

If required, Miller Goodall can also undertake a detailed analysis and measurement of noise sources in manufacturing or industrial workplaces and provide advice on bespoke noise and vibration control measures, including the use of screens, enclosures or absorptive materials. This would allow a series of control measures to be implemented, in line with the requirements of the CNWR.

What sectors do we work in?

The main sectors we work across are Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural, Transport, Healthcare, Sport and Entertainment, and Education.