06.02.2015
Mohammed Arshad, from Wolverhampton, suffered permanent noise-induced hearing loss and is now affected by tinnitus after he was exposed to high levels of noise while working with large industrial printers at Mondi Packaging Ltd between 1990 and 2005.
The 43-year-old father of four’s legal team at Irwin Mitchell secured a settlement from the company after he was left with permanent damage to his hearing. He has now backed the law firm’s calls for employers to improve the levels of protection offered to workers.
Mr Arshad is one of around 6.3 million people in the UK who suffer with tinnitus - the perception of sound in the absence of any corresponding external sound – and is supporting the British Tinnitus Association’s Tinnitus Awareness Week, which runs from 2nd-8th February 2015.
During his employment, Mr Arshad was exposed to high levels of noise from industrial equipment and it was not until later in his career that he was provided with ear protection. This delay resulted in permanent hearing damage.
He said: “I was exposed to loud noises at work and as a result my hearing has been permanently damaged and I now suffer with tinnitus. It is an extremely frustrating condition as I hear buzzing constantly and struggle to follow conversations.
“Tinnitus can also be very embarrassing as I have to turn up my telephone and TV very loud to hear tham and often have to ask people to repeat themselves so I can understand them.
“Hopefully Tinnitus Awareness Week will help people to understand the impact it can have on people who suffer with it, as well as letting people know there is help and support out there for them.
“It is also important that companies take notice of the issue and make sure they provide workers with the hearing protection they need, so they are not affected like I have been.”
Sarah Tagg, an industrial deafness specialist at Irwin Mitchell who represented Mr Arshad, said: “Mohammed’s case indicates just how much damage can be done when the appropriate hearing protection is not provided to employees.
“We hope, that by supporting Tinnitus Awareness Week we will encourage employers to take action and implement the safety equipment needed to protect those who work in noisy environment.”
Tinnitus Sufferer Calls For Employers To Improve Hearing Protection
A former printing machine operator in the West Midlands has called for employers to improve the hearing protection offered to workers who spend long periods of time in noisy environments and backed the British Tinnitus Association’s (BTA’s) awareness week.Mohammed Arshad, from Wolverhampton, suffered permanent noise-induced hearing loss and is now affected by tinnitus after he was exposed to high levels of noise while working with large industrial printers at Mondi Packaging Ltd between 1990 and 2005.
The 43-year-old father of four’s legal team at Irwin Mitchell secured a settlement from the company after he was left with permanent damage to his hearing. He has now backed the law firm’s calls for employers to improve the levels of protection offered to workers.
Mr Arshad is one of around 6.3 million people in the UK who suffer with tinnitus - the perception of sound in the absence of any corresponding external sound – and is supporting the British Tinnitus Association’s Tinnitus Awareness Week, which runs from 2nd-8th February 2015.
During his employment, Mr Arshad was exposed to high levels of noise from industrial equipment and it was not until later in his career that he was provided with ear protection. This delay resulted in permanent hearing damage.
He said: “I was exposed to loud noises at work and as a result my hearing has been permanently damaged and I now suffer with tinnitus. It is an extremely frustrating condition as I hear buzzing constantly and struggle to follow conversations.
“Tinnitus can also be very embarrassing as I have to turn up my telephone and TV very loud to hear tham and often have to ask people to repeat themselves so I can understand them.
“Hopefully Tinnitus Awareness Week will help people to understand the impact it can have on people who suffer with it, as well as letting people know there is help and support out there for them.
“It is also important that companies take notice of the issue and make sure they provide workers with the hearing protection they need, so they are not affected like I have been.”
Sarah Tagg, an industrial deafness specialist at Irwin Mitchell who represented Mr Arshad, said: “Mohammed’s case indicates just how much damage can be done when the appropriate hearing protection is not provided to employees.
“We hope, that by supporting Tinnitus Awareness Week we will encourage employers to take action and implement the safety equipment needed to protect those who work in noisy environment.”
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.
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