Lawyers Help Chesterfield Man Secure Vital Financial Support

A former steel worker from Chesterfield who suffers from noise-induced hearing loss has revealed how he is looking to the future after specialist lawyers helped him a secure a four-figure settlement from his former employer regarding his condition.

Sean Lynas worked at the Staveley Works premises in Hollingwood between 1978 and 1983 but, despite being exposed excessive noise throughout his time there, was never provided with proper hearing protection or told of the risks.

After he became aware of hearing problems last year, he instructed specialist workplace illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate when he realised that the issues may be linked to his work history. 

As part of their work, the legal experts put Sean in touch with an expert consultant who confirmed that he was likely to need hearing aids between two to seven years earlier than he would if he had not worked in a noisy environment.  

Now, after the specialist lawyers secured him vital financial support from Tata Steel UK – formerly British Steel – Sean has revealed how is looking to move on with his life and put the problems behind him.

Rebecca Wood, the workplace illness expert at Irwin Mitchell who represents Sean, said: 

Expert Opinion

“This is a shocking case in which a man has developed long-term hearing problems after an employer failed to properly protect him during his time working there.

“Sadly, through our experience, these kinds of issues are not uncommon as we have helped numerous people who have worked in noisy environments such as industrial settings to gain justice regarding similar issues.

“The importance of hearing protection should not be underestimated and it is vital that all current employers recognise their clear responsibilities when it comes to the health and safety of workers. Issues like this should simply never happen again.” Rebecca Wood - Associate Solicitor

Looking back at his time at the Staveley Works, Sean recalls at least several occasions when he worked in noisy environments.

He said: “I joined the works as an apprentice fitter and spent the first year at a training school, where I would use a range of machinery including milling and grinding machines, presses and lathes. There was also noise from hammering throughout the day, as well as from the foundry and other parts of the site.

“I also remember in my final year working in the machine shop and drilling metal pipes every day. Through my entire time I was never warned about the risks of excessive noise or given any protection, which is why it was hard to take when I learned the extent of my hearing problems.

“Workers deserve to know that their employers have their best interests at heart, with their health and safety being a top priority. While this did not happen in my case, I just hope that no one else will face what I suffered in the future. Now I am focused on looking forward with my life and putting this behind me.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in noise-induced hearing loss claims.