Irwin Mitchell Investigating Noise Levels On Ford Production Lines

The widow of a former Ford Motor Company production line worker is appealing to his former workmates to come forward and help in her battle for justice over the level of noise he was exposed to during his time at the company’s Dagenham plant.

Isiah Charles, who died at the age of 79, worked in the foundry of Ford Motor Company’s facility in Dagenham between 1969 and 1974.

He began a legal claim prior to his death but sadly died before he could provide a statement. However, his widow believes he was exposed to high levels of noise during his employment with the firm, where he worked on a production line shaping car parts, which caused permanent damage to his hearing

She has now instructed expert industrial illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the conditions Isiah was exposed to at the company and has urged his former colleagues to come forward with the crucial information her legal team needs concerning the working environment and what measures, if any, were in place to prevent workers being exposed to high levels of noise.

Sarah Tagg, a specialist industrial illness lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, leading the case, said: “Exposure to high levels of noise from heavy machinery in an industrial environment can have a significant impact on the hearing of those exposed to it. Many workers were not given the appropriate hearing protection during their working lives which is now having a major impact on their lifestyle.

“We know that Mr Charles suffered with impaired hearing, which seriously impacted his day-to-day life for many years. He also suffered with tinnitus, which presented itself as ringing in his ears, which would last for a few minutes at a time.

“Unfortunately, he passed away before providing much-needed information about the working conditions he was exposed to and the measures put in place to reduce the level of noise he was exposed to at Ford Motor Company.

“We are looking to speak with any former Ford Motor Company workers who were employed in the foundry between 1969 and 1974 who can offer information on the noise levels present and details of the working environment.”

His widow, Sylvia, who was married to Isiah for 54 years, said: “Isiah really struggled with his hearing for a number of years and it made a number of simple tasks very difficult for him.

“We hope that his former workmates at the Ford Motor Company in Dagenham will come forward with the information our legal team need to secure justice for him and our family.

“It is important companies are held to account for their failures to protect workers from high levels of noise and we hope with information from Isiah’s colleagues to ensure fewer people are affected by noise-induced hearing loss in the future.”

Anyone with information on the working conditions and protective equipment provided to workers at the Ford Motor Company in Dagenham is asked to contact Sarah Tagg at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors on 0370 1500 100 or email Sarah.Tagg@irwinmitchell.com.

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.