Noise at Work Regulations Compliance Check

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to assess and control the risk to workers’ hearing from noise. The law sets lower and upper exposure action values of 80 dB(A) and 85 dB(A) (daily or weekly average), and an exposure limit value of 87 dB(A) that must never be exceeded once hearing protection is taken into account. Peak sound pressure limits also apply, at 135 dB(C) and 137 dB(C) respectively. Employers must reduce noise at source where reasonably practicable, provide hearing protection above the action values, and offer health surveillance where there is a risk to hearing.

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and entirely preventable, and it is not limited to factories. Workshops, hospitality venues with amplified music, warehouses, farms, construction sites, gyms and even busy call centres can all give rise to risk. The HSE can issue improvement notices and prosecute under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and hearing loss claims against employers can run into tens of thousands of pounds. A documented noise risk assessment is the starting point, and is what an inspector or claimant’s solicitor will ask for first.

This check looks at how your business assesses and controls workplace noise under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, and highlights the practical steps most likely to protect your staff’s hearing and reduce your legal exposure.