Expert Welcomes IOSH Warning On Hearing Problems

Industrial deafness specialists at Irwin Mitchell have urged music industry professionals to take care after concerns were raised over the potential hearing problems they could face.

The Institution Of Occupational Safety and Health has warned that those working in the music and entertainment sector need to recognise the importance of protecting themselves against noise-related illnesses such as tinnitus.

It has also called on employers to provide workers with protective equipment, including earplugs, as well as for speakers to be angled way from bars and noise levels to be tested regularly.

The IOSH has particularly warned of the impact not reacting to such issues can have, including the long-term mental health consequences that tinnitus has on a number of people.

Mark Allen, an industrial deafness specialist at Irwin Mitchell, welcomed the calls and urged both businesses and workers to take note.

He explained: “So many of our cases related to noise in the workplace have originated from more factory-based environments or call centres, but there is a growing number of people from the music industry who have contacted us after employers have failed to protect them.

“Tinnitus, acoustic shock and deafness – whether temporary or permanent – can have a massive impact on the wellbeing of people and people need to take steps to prevent them from being affected.

“Workers need to be educated on this issue and employers have a duty to provide such information as part of their overall responsibility for the safety of their staff.”

If you or a loved one has suffered from hearing damage such as acoustic shock, tinnitus, and noise-induced hearing loss caused by conditions at work our solicitors could help you claim compensation. See our Industrial Disease Claims page for more information.