07.10.2014
Winston Dyer, from Aspley, Nottingham, suffered permanent noise-induced hearing loss as a result of working in a noisy environment without being given the correct ear protection. He also now suffers with moderate tinnitus after exposure to high levels of noise while maintaining and repairing industrial packaging machinery.
The 57-year-old instructed expert workplace illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the cause of his condition and they found that he was not given appropriate ear protection while employed by Crown Packaging UK Plc / Metal Box Co Ltd between 1978/79 and 1984/85, despite working in an environment with a number of loud machines.
The specialist team at Irwin Mitchell has now secured Mr Dyer an undisclosed settlement from his former employers to cover his pain and suffering and contribute to the cost of hearing aids as medical evidence shows he now needs them 24 years earlier than he normally would expect.
Mr Dyer was responsible for ensuring a bank of machines at the factory were running smoothly and said he would have to shout and use hand signals to communicate with colleagues only a few feet away due to the noise.
Alison Gregory, an industrial deafness specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing him said: “Our expert medical evidence found that Mr Dyer’s hearing had been significantly damaged during the time he was employed at Crown Packaging UK Plc/Metal Box Co Ltd. His hearing issues and the tinnitus he now suffers with could have been prevented had the correct ear protection been provided by the company at the right time.
“As a result of his problems, he will now need to use hearing aids a staggering 24 years earlier than someone of his age would usually expect to so we are pleased to have secured a fair settlement for him.
“This case highlights the need for employers to undertake the necessary risk assessments and take action to protect their workers from preventable injuries such as noise-induced hearing loss.”
Mr Dyer, who lives with his wife, said: “It was extremely loud on the factory floor where I worked and you simply couldn’t hear other people shouting even though they were stood next to you. Over the past few years my hearing has deteriorated significantly and I now struggle to follow conversations if there is any background noise.
“I need to have my TV and telephone turned up very loud to hear them and it’s not only annoying for the rest of my family but it’s embarrassing when I’m with other people. The settlement I have received will now help me to get the support and equipment I need to aid my hearing.
“I can only hope that my case will highlight to all employers the need to protect their workers against the potential of hearing damage caused by loud working environments, so nobody else has to suffer as I have.”
Specialist Lawyers Secure Funds After Nottingham Man Suffers Noise Induced Hearing Loss Because of Working Conditions
A Nottingham man has called for employers to ensure they provide their workers with the proper hearing protection after receiving a settlement for hearing loss and tinnitus he suffered as a result of working close to loud machinery.Winston Dyer, from Aspley, Nottingham, suffered permanent noise-induced hearing loss as a result of working in a noisy environment without being given the correct ear protection. He also now suffers with moderate tinnitus after exposure to high levels of noise while maintaining and repairing industrial packaging machinery.
The 57-year-old instructed expert workplace illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the cause of his condition and they found that he was not given appropriate ear protection while employed by Crown Packaging UK Plc / Metal Box Co Ltd between 1978/79 and 1984/85, despite working in an environment with a number of loud machines.
The specialist team at Irwin Mitchell has now secured Mr Dyer an undisclosed settlement from his former employers to cover his pain and suffering and contribute to the cost of hearing aids as medical evidence shows he now needs them 24 years earlier than he normally would expect.
Mr Dyer was responsible for ensuring a bank of machines at the factory were running smoothly and said he would have to shout and use hand signals to communicate with colleagues only a few feet away due to the noise.
Alison Gregory, an industrial deafness specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing him said: “Our expert medical evidence found that Mr Dyer’s hearing had been significantly damaged during the time he was employed at Crown Packaging UK Plc/Metal Box Co Ltd. His hearing issues and the tinnitus he now suffers with could have been prevented had the correct ear protection been provided by the company at the right time.
“As a result of his problems, he will now need to use hearing aids a staggering 24 years earlier than someone of his age would usually expect to so we are pleased to have secured a fair settlement for him.
“This case highlights the need for employers to undertake the necessary risk assessments and take action to protect their workers from preventable injuries such as noise-induced hearing loss.”
Mr Dyer, who lives with his wife, said: “It was extremely loud on the factory floor where I worked and you simply couldn’t hear other people shouting even though they were stood next to you. Over the past few years my hearing has deteriorated significantly and I now struggle to follow conversations if there is any background noise.
“I need to have my TV and telephone turned up very loud to hear them and it’s not only annoying for the rest of my family but it’s embarrassing when I’m with other people. The settlement I have received will now help me to get the support and equipment I need to aid my hearing.
“I can only hope that my case will highlight to all employers the need to protect their workers against the potential of hearing damage caused by loud working environments, so nobody else has to suffer as I have.”
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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