Unison Poll Highlights Worrying Trends For Workers

Workplace injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have revealed their concerns following a new poll of call centre staff which raised significant concerns over their health and safety.

A survey by trade union Unison revealed that seven out of ten people employed in call centres had suffered eye strain or problems with their hearing and voices as a result of work in such environments.

According to the body, a quarter of those polled also revealed they had toilet breaks restricted, with such issues blamed on the target-driven ethos that many companies employ.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist workplace injury and illness lawyers act for people who have suffered as a result of safety failings all kinds of work environments, including those left with problems such as acoustic shock and noise-related hearing loss as a result of working in call centres.

David Urpeth, the firm's national head of workplace injuries who specialises in such cases, said: “If not properly managed by employers, health risks can emerge in all kinds of working environments.

“We have helped a number of call centre staff to gain redress and justice over safety failings which have left them with serious injury or illness, such as noise-related hearing loss, tinnitus and acoustic shock.

“Because of this, it is a major concern to see that the issue of health and safety in call centres has been highlighted once again. We hope that companies with such operations react positively to ensure that the measures they have in place put the wellbeing of their staff first.”

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.