Manchester Man Paid £6,000 for Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Successful noise induced hearing loss case

A Manchester man has been awarded £6,000 compensation pay out after he contracted noise induced hearing loss as a result of being exposed to noise from power tools and engine noise whilst working for North Western British Road Services Limited based at Trafford Park in Manchester.

Terry Howarth, aged 51 from Blackley, Manchester made the claim through the specialist Industrial Disease Team of Manchester based law firm Irwin Mitchell.

As a result of being exposed to noise from air tools, sledge hammers, steam cleaners, air lines, grinders, engine noise and drills Mr Howarth developed hearing loss which is irreversible and causes Mr Howarth to have difficulties in understanding conversation and has the T.V Volume turned up louder than normal. 

Recalling his work, Mr Howarth said: “The majority of the work I did for North Western Road Services Limited was maintaining and servicing Heavy Goods Vehicles. The work was noisy as there were often up to 20 men using noisy tools and I was never provided with ear defenders.”

"I am delighted that I have been compensated as I hope that by highlighting my case employers will take head that noise deafens people and that they need to be aware of the risk of noise exposure and take steps to protect employees from dangerous noise."

Mark Allen from Irwin Mitchell, who represented Mr Howarth, said: “Mr Howarth was never warned or advised about the dangers of noise induced hearing loss or was provided with any protective equipment. 

"This case highlights the importance of health and safety policies.  Employers have a duty of care to their staff which includes ensuring full protective equipment is provided so workers exposure to risk is kept to a minimum."