Acoustic Shock Compensation Claims
Claim compensation for acoustic shock caused by work conditions
The issue of acoustic shock has become a larger concern given the amount of call centres based in the United Kingdom and the permanent disability which can be caused by just 1 incident of acoustic shock. The Government has recognised the need for greater supervision and control in call centres and stated that:-
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“The DTI recognises the move to encourage the call centre industry to put in place measures to control acoustic shock, but acknowledges the ongoing considerations of the Health and Safety Executive of the impact on call centre staff.”
Stephen Rhodes, Department of Business Relations, DTI 20th December 2004 |
There are various devices being brought into the market to protect against the “acoustic shocks” such as 'acoustic shock protection' and a 'headset noise limiter'.
The Health and Safety Executive has recently funded research to develop an in- line noise exposure monitor and acoustic shock limiter for headsets. Current advice to call centres from the HSE Revised Guidelines for Acoustic Shock October 2004 is that they should implement a traceable reporting system for headset users who may have been exposed to acoustic shock incidents. The following information should be reported:
- Date and time of the incident;
- Details of the source of the exposure;
- Description of the noise;
- Duration of the exposure;
- Details of the headset and telephone equipment used;
- Whether the incident was electronically recorded (a copy should be kept for future reference);
- Symptoms experienced by the operator directly related to the acoustic shock incident.
Call Handlers should be trained to recognise such incidents and how to report them. Employers have a duty under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) to report certain types of work-related injuries, including those which result in a person being unable to carry out their normal work for more than three consecutive days, and those which result in admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours. Such reports should be made to the relevant enforcing authority.
Specialist solicitors - Get acoustic shock compensation claim advice
If you have not been diagnosed with acoustic shock, which you have been told or suspect is due to your employment, within the last 3 years it is unlikely that you will be able to claim due to previous case law. If you suspect that you have acoustic shock caused by work you should talk to us about a claim for compensation.
We are one of the UK’s leading firms of Solicitors involved in Occupational Ilness claims. Unlike agencies, we have our own in house expertise to help your acoustic shock claim. Our knowledgeable team will establish whether your injury can be linked to your exposure to a substance at work and crucially whether your employer was negligent in allowing it to occur and that they failed in their duty of care.
All initial consultation is free, if you suspect that you are affected by acoustic shock, please contact us.
What we will do for you
More than anything we aim to keep things clear, simple and as straight forward as possible for our clients so there is no need for you to worry at any point about the legal complexities or technicalities of your case. You will be kept in formed through the claims process which put simply looks like this:-
1> Your free initial consultation gives us a clear understanding of your workplace in this claim;
2> If you have a case we assign our best legal team with expertise to handle your claim;
3> The legal team will investigate and build evidence to back up your case;
4> We keep in touch with you throughout, so you are always informed;
5> Finally, with your approval we arrive at the best settlement possible.
Make contact as soon as you can
It is important to speak to us as soon as possible - time limitation periods apply and investigating your claim is often easier if you begin proceedings quickly. Your initial consultation with us is free and we will tell you then whether or not your case is worth pursuing. If it is, we will carry out our investigation of the free of charge too.
Fill in our online claims form to begin your claim.
More information on acoustic shock in our guide >