03.10.2014
Mohammed Arshad, from Wolverhampton, suffered permanent noise-induced hearing loss and is now affected by moderate tinnitus after being exposed to high levels of noise while working with large industrial printers.
The 43-year-old father-of-four instructed expert workplace illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his condition and they found that despite working in an environment with a number of loud industrial machines he was not given appropriate ear protection, which has left him with permanent damage to his hearing.
The law firm has now secured Mr Arshad an undisclosed settlement from his former employers to cover his pain and suffering and contribute to the cost of hearing aids and devices he now needs.
Mr Arshad worked at Mondi Packaging Ltd between 1990 and 2005 where he was employed as a printing machine operator, working in an area where four 15-metre long machines were in operation.
He was also exposed to noise from other industrial equipment on the factory floor, including gluing machines, stitching machines, flatbed cutters and dye cutting equipment. It was not until later years that Mr Arshad was provided with protective equipment.
Katie Bond, an industrial deafness specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing him said: “Our expert medical evidence found that Mr Arshad’s hearing had been damaged significantly during the time he was employed by Mondi Packaging Ltd, which could have been prevented had the correct ear protection been provided early in his employment with the company.
“As a result of his hearing loss and tinnitus, he will require the use of hearing aids earlier than he would usually have needed so we are pleased we have been able to help provide a fair settlement for him. It is vital all employers undertake the necessary risk assessments and take steps to protect their workers from injuries such as this which can be preventable.”
Mr Arshad said: “It was so loud on the factory floor where I was working that I would have to shout to communicate with colleagues working just a few feet away from me. But it was not until the latter years of my employment that I received ear protection equipment.
“I could tell over the past few years that my hearing was deteriorating and I’m now suffering with moderate tinnitus. I regularly struggle to follow conversations if there is background noise and I need to have my telephone and TV turned up very loud to hear them.
“I’m extremely relieved that I will now be able to get the help and support I need to aid my hearing thanks to the settlement. I hope that my case will act as a reminder to employers of the need to protect their workers against the dangers of loud working environments.”
Specialist Lawyers Secure Funds After Worker’s Hearing Deteriorates
A former printing machine operator in the West Midlands has called for his former employers to take more responsibility for protecting their workers after receiving a settlement for hearing loss he suffered while using noisy machinery.Mohammed Arshad, from Wolverhampton, suffered permanent noise-induced hearing loss and is now affected by moderate tinnitus after being exposed to high levels of noise while working with large industrial printers.
The 43-year-old father-of-four instructed expert workplace illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his condition and they found that despite working in an environment with a number of loud industrial machines he was not given appropriate ear protection, which has left him with permanent damage to his hearing.
The law firm has now secured Mr Arshad an undisclosed settlement from his former employers to cover his pain and suffering and contribute to the cost of hearing aids and devices he now needs.
Mr Arshad worked at Mondi Packaging Ltd between 1990 and 2005 where he was employed as a printing machine operator, working in an area where four 15-metre long machines were in operation.
He was also exposed to noise from other industrial equipment on the factory floor, including gluing machines, stitching machines, flatbed cutters and dye cutting equipment. It was not until later years that Mr Arshad was provided with protective equipment.
Katie Bond, an industrial deafness specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing him said: “Our expert medical evidence found that Mr Arshad’s hearing had been damaged significantly during the time he was employed by Mondi Packaging Ltd, which could have been prevented had the correct ear protection been provided early in his employment with the company.
“As a result of his hearing loss and tinnitus, he will require the use of hearing aids earlier than he would usually have needed so we are pleased we have been able to help provide a fair settlement for him. It is vital all employers undertake the necessary risk assessments and take steps to protect their workers from injuries such as this which can be preventable.”
Mr Arshad said: “It was so loud on the factory floor where I was working that I would have to shout to communicate with colleagues working just a few feet away from me. But it was not until the latter years of my employment that I received ear protection equipment.
“I could tell over the past few years that my hearing was deteriorating and I’m now suffering with moderate tinnitus. I regularly struggle to follow conversations if there is background noise and I need to have my telephone and TV turned up very loud to hear them.
“I’m extremely relieved that I will now be able to get the help and support I need to aid my hearing thanks to the settlement. I hope that my case will act as a reminder to employers of the need to protect their workers against the dangers of loud working environments.”
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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