WORK-RELATED ILLNESS - HEARING ISSUES
Hearing loss, whatever its cause, can be a very distressing and debilitating condition that has a significant impact on the sufferer’s quality of life.
Noise induced hearing loss (or “NIHL”) – hearing loss that is caused by exposure to a sudden loud noise or by prolonged exposure to noise that is above recommended levels – is estimated to affect around 15% of the adult population and more than 500,000 people in the UK report that they suffer from hearing problems as a result of exposure to noise at work.
Perhaps not surprisingly, rates of NIHL are much higher in some industries (such as mining, quarrying, manufacturing and construction) than in others. Call centre workers have a particular exposure to acoustic shock.
The general provisions about all work-related illnesses apply to workers who suffer from industrial deafness and other hearing difficulties. Workers have both general and statutory duties owed to them by their employer (including, duties relating to noise levels in the workplace and the provision of suitable ear protection where that is appropriate) and, if there is a breach of those duties which results in a worker developing a hearing difficulty, that worker may be entitled to compensation from the employer.
If you’re unsure whether you may have a valid compensation claim for hearing damage as a result of your work, call us now on 08448 700 800 to discuss how we can help or simply fill in the CALL ME box and we’ll ring you. Alternatively, you can start your claim immediately by answering a few simple questions on the CLAIM NOW page and we’ll do the rest.
Remember – If you suffer a work-related hearing problem in Scotland, your claim is best dealt with by Scottish specialists and you won’t pay a penny for our help, whatever happens.