Loss Hearing from Work conditions

A retired power tool press setter from Birmingham is appealing for former work colleagues to come forward to help in his legal battle for compensation.

76 year old Anthony Albutt has been suffering from hearing problems over the last few years.

Mr Albutt is thought to have been exposed to industrial noise while working with Wilmott Breedon at Abingdon Road (K block) and Fordhouse Lane, Birmingham between 1957 and 1980 and then at Palmer & Shelley, Nechalls Place, Saltley, Birmingham from 1980 to 1988.

"Background noise is really difficult to cope with," said Mr Albutt, who lives in Sheldon. "If I go to a concert for example, and lots of people are talking or there is music playing, I find it hard to work out what is being said to me, it all just becomes a loud mumbling.

"I have the television volume turned up at home, usually much louder than my wife would need and I frequently don't hear if someone has knocked on the front door. I also miss words in conversations which can lead me to misinterpret what has been said."

Mark Allen, solicitor at law firm Irwin Mitchell, represents Mr Albutt. "Mr Albutt was concerned about the level of his hearing," explains Mark. "He underwent tests with an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Consultant, who confirmed that the hearing loss was the result of a combination of work-related damage and the ageing process.

"We allege that Mr Albutt was neither provided protective equipment at Palmer & Shelley nor, until he had worked there for a number of years, at Wilmott Breedon.

"His employers neglecting to provide what were often referred to as 'ear defenders' is, we maintain, a key contributory factor in the poor performance of Mr Albutt's hearing, which impairs his quality of life and interaction with friends and family," continues Mark.

"It is vital that people who have information concerning the working practices at these two organisations come forward to assist us with our enquiries."

Anyone who worked with Anthony Albutt at Wilmott Breedon between 1957 and 1980 or at Palmer & Shelley from 1980 to 1988 should contact Mark Allen at Irwin Mitchell solicitors on 0370 1500 100.