Legal Experts Help Lancaster Man Who Needs Hearing Aids Due To Ongoing Problems

A former printer from Lancaster who needs hearing aids after developing noise-induced hearing loss at work has revealed how he is looking to the future following the news that lawyers have helped him secure an undisclosed settlement.

Nicholas Edwards, 50, was only ever given ear protection during the last few years of his 15 years working at Imperial Home Décor Group, where his role brought him in close proximity to a range of noisy machinery including printing presses and mixing machines.

Nicholas instructed specialist workplace illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate after he developed hearing problems and tinnitus in early 2013 when his family began commenting about him being unable to hear them when they tried to get his attention. He was also struggling to hear over background noise. He also began noticing a ringing noise in his ears.

The legal experts have now secured him a four-figure settlement from Imperial Home Décor Group in relation to the issues he continues to endure.

Expert Opinion

“This case is yet another which shows the huge consequences which can emerge when employers fail to adequately meet their responsibilities on safety.

“Noise induced hearing loss, tinnitus and similar related conditions can have a huge impact on sufferers, often leaving them frustrated and isolated as they are unable to have the conversations with loved ones that many of us take for granted.

“While we are delighted to have secured the settlement in this case, it must stand as a reminder that employers have a duty to ensure that workers have the protective equipment they need to carry out their jobs effectively and without facing any potential risks to their long or short-term health.” Sarah Tagg - Paralegal

Nicholas started work at Imperial Home Décor Group in 1990 as a printer, before then moving on to become a paste mixer and colour matcher. However, it was only in his final few years at the company in 2005 that he was provided with hearing protection.

He recalls: “The nature of the work meant it was always a noisy environment, whether it was the printing presses and mixing machines or even the forklift trucks being operated nearby, the counter balance trucks or even the extractor fans.

“However, when I hadn’t been given any protection I just assumed it was not needed, which is why it was a shock when I was given ear protection at the end of my time there. Then when my problems developed I realised that more should have been done to protect me.

“My hearing problems have been hugely frustrating and impact on all aspects of my life. While my hearing aids do help to an extent, it remains difficult for me to hear or follow conversations in crowded places and talk to friends and family.

“While nothing can change what has happened, this settlement does allow me to look forward to the future a little more brightly. I just hope that employers take note of my case and ensure the issues I’ve faced are not repeated in the future.”