NOISE MONITORING & ACOUSTICS
CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE
Nicola Dawn, a Partner who specialises in industrial occupational disease claims at Forbes Solicitors, looks at the importance of workplace noise risk assessments and control plans for protecting both workers and employers.
NOISE AT WORK
Occupational noise remains a health risk for organisations and staff. For the year 2024/25, the HSE estimates there were 15,000 workers with work-related hearing problems. Exposure to loud noises can damage sensory cells and nerve fibres in the ear, which can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus.
Workplace-related hearing problems can be caused by sudden, extremely loud sounds, such as an explosion and heavy equipment malfunctioning and banging, or ongoing exposure to noise over a period of time. In addition to the risks of hearing damage and deafness, occupational noise may also trigger stress, anxiety and cardiovascular issues. A 2023 study by the University of Leicester found a link between noisy road traffic and increased risks of rises in blood pressure among people living close to busy roads. Roaring engines and wailing sirens were recognised as potential causes of hypertension.
Stress, anxiety and fatigue caused by noise exposure may create further workplace hazards. Employee concentration can be affected, increasing the possibility of mistakes and accidents. Consideration should also be given to how loud noises may compromise safety procedures. For example, will warning sirens be drowned out by excessive noise levels? Will employees wearing hearing protection be able to hear alarms?
WORKPLACE CHALLENGES
Knowledge gaps are contributing to occupational noise problems, leaving employers at risk of failing to meet regulatory requirements, while also exposing workers to preventable health issues and workplace hazards.
In September 2025, the HSE reported that three-quarters of noisy workplaces lacked essential knowledge about maintaining and storing hearing protection equipment, including checking for damage and reporting faults. Inspections also revealed 80% of employees had received no instruction about techniques for properly wearing hearing protection and 95% of employers had failed to verify whether workers could still detect warning signals when wearing hearing protection.
MANAGING THE RISKS, CLOSING KNOWLEDGE GAPS
Creating a noise-control action plan can help to safeguard employees against noise exposure and enhance regulatory compliance.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 were introduced to ensure that workers’ hearing is protected from excessive noise when working, and to lower the noise limits set out in previous legislation. The regulations include legal exposure limits and action values for noise volumes measured in decibels (dB). These cover three thresholds, with the volume of noise varying from 80 dB(A) through to 87 dB(A) and peaks of between 135 dB(C) to 140 dB(C). As well as the legal limits for decibels, the Regulations require employers to assess risks of noise to employees and take action to address these risks.
An effective noise-control action plan should start with assessments and sound tests. This will enable an organisation to determine the levels of noise risks and practical measures for eliminating and reducing noise as far as possible. This may include, for example, a review of alternative, quieter working practices, as well as barriers and screens to absorb, dampen or redirect sound, the identification of hearing protection zones and the specification and provision of hearing protection.
Developing a noise-control action plan can arm employers with information that improves knowledge for mitigating the risks of occupational noise and create a structure for regularly checking this. Best-practice plans will often focus on health surveillance and record keeping, with this involving scheduled hearing checks, medical examinations and employee engagement. These steps can identify problems such as hearing protection not being properly maintained, training deficiencies and any employee concerns about protective equipment and protocols.
A considered and robust noise-control action plan can help employers to remain vigilant against the risks of occupational noise, and any failings during the implementation of measures intended to protect employees.
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