Expertise And Understanding From Irwin Mitchell
Employers have an obligation to protect us from hazards to our health and safety in the workplace. Acoustic shock is condition that can significantly impair hearing, and has been associated with various workplaces and roles, and in particular, call centres.
If you have suffered from hearing problems as a result of working in call centres or noisy environments, you may be able to make a claim for acoustic shock compensation against a current or previous employer.
At Irwin Mitchell we fight fearlessly to achieve the best outcome for your claim. We’re renowned for our understanding of the issues affecting you and your family due to acoustic shock, and we know what positive action to take to make a difference.
Our lawyers offer the highest level of professionalism and expertise, combined with dedication and sensitivity.
Above all, we put you first.
Handling Acoustic Shock Claims With Expertise And Sensitivity
Acoustic shock is the common name for a short, high-pitch or high-intensity sound transmitted through a telephone or radio headset. There are often no identifiable causes for these sounds - but such sound-shocks mainly affect call handlers, causing:
- Permanent damage to the hearing
- Tinnitus
- Hyperacusis - increased sensitivity to sounds, often resulting in pain or discomfort from normally tolerable sounds.
If you believe you have suffered acoustic shock caused by work, then we can help you pursue a claim for acoustic shock compensation or damages.
With a team of specialist solicitors, Irwin Mitchell can support your claim for acoustic shock compensation if you feel that your hearing has suffered as a result of exposure to high-pitched, high-intensity sound.
If you have been affected by any of these problems as a result of your work with telephone equipment, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
There are various devices being brought into the market to protect against the "acoustic shocks" such as 'acoustic shock protection' and a 'headset noise limiter'.
The Health and Safety Executive has recently funded research to develop an in- line noise exposure monitor and acoustic shock limiter for headsets. Current advice to call centres from the HSE Revised Guidelines for Acoustic Shock October 2004 is that they should implement a traceable reporting system for headset users who may have been exposed to acoustic shock incidents. The following information should be reported:
- Date and time of the incident
- Details of the source of the exposure
- Description of the noise
- Duration of the exposure
- Details of the headset and telephone equipment used
- Whether the incident was electronically recorded (a copy should be kept for future reference)
- Symptoms experienced by the operator directly related to the acoustic shock incident.
Call Handlers should be trained to recognise such incidents and how to report them. Employers have a duty under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) to report certain types of work-related injuries, including those which result in a person being unable to carry out their normal work for more than three consecutive days, and those which result in admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours. Such reports should be made to the relevant enforcing authority.
Proven Expertise In Acoustic Shock Claims
We are one of the UK’s leading firms of solicitors involved in Occupational Illness claims. Unlike agencies, we have our own in house expertise to help your acoustic shock claim. Our knowledgeable team will establish whether your injury can be linked to your exposure to a substance at work and crucially whether your employer was negligent in allowing it to occur and that they failed in their duty of care.
Irwin Mitchell is also one of the largest and most experienced personal injury law firms in the country.
Our team includes many of the country’s finest personal injury lawyers. They operate in highly specialised teams, offering the highest level of legal expertise in acoustic shock claims.
Irwin Mitchell’s Commitment To Making A Difference
Irwin Mitchell’s first commitment is to you, and to achieving the best outcome for your claim.
We also have a long history of campaigning with leading organisations in numerous personal injury fields. Together with those organisations we seek improvements in health and safety, prevent accident and injury where possible, and improve the quality of life and levels of compensation for those who have suffered injury.
We have also pursued many leading legal cases in order to improve the prospects of success of claims for various forms of personal injury, and to obtain fairer compensation.