Noise
Noise is probably the most widespread and underestimated of industrial hazards. As many as 3 million workers are at some risk of suffering permanent noise-induced hearing loss. Although we associate noise at work with some of the more traditional heavy industries, CWU members are increasingly being exposed to noise related injuries.
The growth of call centre work in the UK means that an estimated 2% of the working population are now employed in call centres. The CWU is the major union for representing these workers and many members across the various employers we deal with now work in these environments. The hazards of acoustic shock and other forms of noise interference have brought suffering to some of these members.
Effects of exposure to noise
The risk depends on the intensity of the noise levels and the
length of exposure.
People have different sensitivity levels. Pressure on the hair
cells and nerves in the inner ear from unacceptable noise levels
can cause permanent hearing loss, temporary hearing loss and
tinnitus.
It is important for our Safety Reps and our Branches to get involved in the work of eliminating this hazard from our work places. Documentation and Procedures should be checked at each workplace by Safety Reps to ensure that everyone knows how to tackle incidents of Noise Interference.
HSE Survey
The union participated with BT and the Health and Safety Executive
in a major survey by the HSE into noise including noise surveys of
call centres in BT. The Survey covered a number of other
employers.
At the BT survey in Leicester, which was conducted by the HSE's leading noise and vibration specialist who set up a Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research (KEMAR), which was wired up next to a number of call centre workers.
During this full noise survey, which took place at two BT Call Centres in Leicester, a genuine Noise Incident sound burst was actually recorded. The person suffering this was Jacinda Roberts.
Further Information
Acoustic Shock in Call Centres: Please see updates and news stories including the hearing campaign, equipment testing and call centre staff training. Click on Acoustic Safety Programme home page. www.acousticsafety.org/
Noise at Work Regulations. The noise regulations introduce both new duties on employers and new exposure limits. The TUC produced a fact sheet for safety representatives on this which is still relevant. It can be found at www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-10724-f0.cfm
Call Centre Noise Hazards - over 1 million call centre operators in the UK at risk
Health & Safety Executive Acoustic Shock - Revised Guidelines: www.acousticshock.org/assets/hsestatement-oct04.pdf
What does the law require regarding Noise at Work Regulations exposure in call centres?: www.acousticshock.org/assets/NoiseatWorkRegsCallCentres.pdf
A Project On Noise Interference by Gill Gillett, CWU Safety Rep.
