PPE & Protective Workwear


HEAR IT RIGHT


uvex explains how it supports the HSE’s CUFF initiative as inspections reveal major gaps in hearing protection, with three-quarters of UK workplaces failing noise safety standards and experts warning of growing risks from overprotection.


PPE specialist uvex is backing the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) CUFF approach to hearing protection after new inspections revealed widespread failings in how UK workplaces manage noise risks, including a significant safety threat from hearing overprotection.


The HSE’s latest campaign found that three-quarters of noisy workplaces lacked essential knowledge on hearing safety. Inspectors reported that: • 75% of employees didn’t know how to check or report damaged PPE.


• 63% weren’t told to wear protection continuously during exposure.


• 80% received no fit or compatibility training. • 95% of employers hadn’t verified whether workers could still hear critical warnings such as fire alarms or reversing signals.


These findings show widespread non-compliance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, which require employers to protect workers from harmful noise exposure without compromising their ability to stay alert and responsive.


OVERPROTECTION: A HIDDEN BUT SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD While under-protection is a familiar risk, overprotection, which is when PPE blocks too much sound, is concerningly common. Selecting hearing protection with unnecessarily high attenuation can isolate workers, prevent them from hearing alarms or equipment faults, and even cause them to remove PPE altogether.


Clair Weston, Head of Marketing at uvex, said: “Too often, well-intentioned decisions lead to excessive attenuation. If sound is reduced below normal speech levels (around 70 dB(A)), workers can miss critical communication and safety signals, creating new hazards instead of preventing them.”


HOW UVEX SUPPORTS CUFF


The HSE’s CUFF principles: Condition, Use, Fit the ear, Fit for purpose, provide a clear structure for ensuring hearing protection is properly selected, worn and maintained. uvex has long promoted these principles through its training, product design, and support services. Condition – Regular inspection and maintenance: uvex supports employers in establishing regular inspection and replacement schedules, while training employees to recognise damage or deterioration early thereby reducing potential lapses in hearing protection performance. They also help to identify appropriate hearing protection solutions and attenuation levels


32 tailored to specific workplace noise hazards.


Use – Promoting consistent and confident use: uvex prioritises wearability to make hearing protection comfortable and easy to use. Ergonomic designs, lightweight materials, and seamless compatibility with helmets and eyewear help ensure workers wear protection consistently. uvex also supports safety teams with educational materials and safety talks to reinforce correct usage.


Fit the ear – Training and verification: Through its on- site Fit Clinics uvex train provides hands-on training to ensure employees can achieve a proper fit and seal. Using practical demonstrations and verification methods, uvex ensures workers understand compatibility with other PPE and the importance of maintaining fit throughout the day.


Fit for purpose – Matching protection to real noise levels: Through its Academy resources, uvex educates employers on assessing workplace noise to choose appropriate hearing protection. By focusing on accurate attenuation, uvex helps prevent both under- and overprotection, maintaining communication and safety in noisy environments. Its forthcoming uvex xact-fit system will allow users to measure the actual protection they receive and highlight when additional fit training or product changes is needed.


ACTIVE PROTECTION WITH AWARENESS


To help employers align with CUFF, uvex offers the uvex aXess one, reaturing Real Active Listening (RAL) technology that protects against sudden, high-impact noise while maintaining speech clarity and situational awareness.


KEY BENEFITS INCLUDE:


Smart sound management: Reduces harmful noise to safe levels (82 dB) while amplifying speech and ambient sound. • Clear communication: Enables speech at close range and detection of warning signals.


• Comfort and connectivity: Available in both over- the-head and helmet-mounted versions, where the coiled cable fits with helmets; Bluetooth 5.2 enables hands-free calls.


• Endurance: 50-hour battery life, USB-C charging, and glove-friendly controls.


“By balancing protection with awareness, uvex solutions help employers tackle both under-and overprotection, keeping workers safe, connected, and compliant,” Clair Weston added.


www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en WWW.TOMORROWSHS.COM


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