February 2019 Newsletter

Noise at Work

According to the HSE there were a 23,000 estimated number of workers with work-related hearing loss covering the periods of 2015/16 to 2017/18.

 

Noise at Work Regulations 2005

The aim of the Noise Regulations 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 suffer from a permanent condition such as tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears).

 

Exposure levels

  • Hearing protection and hearing protection zones must be provided by an employer where levels are 85 decibels or more (daily or weekly).
  • Employers must assess the risk to workers health and provide information and training where the level is 80 decibels and above.
  • There is also an exposure limit value of 87 decibels, taking account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection, above which workers must not be exposed.

 

Hearing Health Surveillance

The Noise at Work Regulations 2005 requires employers to carry out health surveillance in the form of hearing tests for workers who are regularly exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels, even if hearing protection is worn.

 

What’s involved?

Arrangements can be made for a trained OH Practitioner to attend the workplace and each employee will have an assessment which will include a review of a completed questionnaire, a physical examination of the ears and a hearing test using calibrated audiology testing equipment, advice is also provided to the employee about the correct use of hearing protection.  A typical appointment will take 20 minutes.

In line with HSE guidance, recalls are recommended based on the results of a hearing test and ongoing health surveillance is typically as follows:

Year 1 – Baseline hearing test

Year 2 – Repeat hearing test, if results are consistent over year 1 and 2 then the next hearing test will not be required until another 3 years and then 3 years thereafter unless there is any change to an employee’s hearing or job role and the associated noise levels.  An employee may be referred to their GP for further investigation if their results are abnormal.

If you would like further advice about hearing tests please contact us by calling 01449 766913 or email enquiries@gipping.co.uk

 

2019 Health Awareness Campaigns in February & March

16-24 February OCD Week of Action

25 February – 3 March  Eating Disorder Awareness Week

28 February      Rare Disease Day

1-31 March       Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

11-17 March     Nutrition & Hydration Week

11-17 March     Brain Awareness Week

13 March          No Smoking Day

15 March          World Sleep Day

20 March          World Oral Health Day

24 March          World Tuberculosis Day

26 March          Epilepsy Awareness Purple Day

 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course, designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. In the same way as learning physical first aid, MHFA teaches people how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill health and feel confident to guide someone to appropriate support.

 

2 day Adult MHFA 

We will be running our next open course on
12th & 13th March 2019
11th & 12th April 2019
£300 + VAT per delegate

To find out more or book a place on our next course please call 01449 766913 or email enquiries@gipping.co.uk