Nelson Man ‘Looks To Future’ After Lawyers Help Him Gain Justice

A former mill worker who suffers from noise-induced hearing loss has revealed how he is looking to move on with his life after specialist lawyers helped him secure a four-figure settlement from his former employer regarding the problems.

Brian Haworth, 79, from Nelson in Lancashire, was never provided with hearing protection or warned of the dangers of noise when working in close proximity to weaving machinery during his time at Qualitex Yarns Ltd– later known as Mitrelle Ltd –between 1967 and 1974.

However, after developing a gradual hearing loss he instructed specialist workplace illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether the issues could be related to his working life.

Now after the legal experts helped him secure a settlement from Mitrelle Ltd regarding the hearing loss, Brian has spoken of his relief at being able to look positively towards the future.

Mark Allen, Head of the Workplace Illness Team in Sheffield at Irwin Mitchell, said: 

Brian worked at Park Mill in Burnley for Qualitex Yarns Ltd (Mitrelle Ltd) as a crimper, a role which would see him monitor and maintain yarns and spindles as machinery was operating. 

He recalled: “The mill was always very noisy and with spindles running at around 7,000 rpm, they tended to make a high-pitched piercing noise. The machinery was never switched off and would run all day everyday unless there was any planned maintenance.

“Throughout my time there I was never provided with any advice or safety equipment, so I simply assumed there was no long term risks to my health. To have developed hearing problems has been hugely frustrating and it has left me isolated and often unable to get involved in normal conversations.

“While it has been hard to come to terms with the hearing loss, this settlement has given me a more positive outlook for the future as I know these funds will ensure I can continue to get the care, support and hearing aids I need to get the best from life.”