The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a new campaign urging employers across Great Britain to proactively assess and control workplace noise and vibration risks. This crucial initiative aims to prevent thousands of workers from developing permanent, life-changing conditions such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), highlighting the importance of taking action before irreversible damage occurs.
New campaign targets widespread workplace noise and vibration risks
Around 15,000 workers annually experience hearing problems that are either caused or exacerbated by their work environment, with an estimated one in five employees regularly exposed to harmful noise levels. These conditions often manifest gradually, meaning workers may not realise they are being harmed until symptoms become apparent, at which point the damage can be irreversible. The campaign, launched during Bone and Joint Health Week, builds upon the HSE’s ongoing efforts to reduce HAVS, including the Prevention Programme’s HAVS Risk Reduction Pledge.
Workplace noise and vibration are prevalent hazards across a diverse range of sectors, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, utilities, waste management, engineering, maintenance, and the entertainment and events industries. Exposure frequently stems from the everyday use of tools, machinery, and equipment. Prolonged or excessive exposure to high noise levels can lead to permanent hearing loss and the debilitating condition of tinnitus, characterised by persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Similarly, sustained exposure to hand-arm vibration can result in HAVS and carpal tunnel syndrome. These conditions cause a range of symptoms including numbness, tingling, pain, and a significant reduction in grip strength. The impact of these illnesses extends far beyond the workplace, severely affecting an individual’s ability to perform their job and carry out routine daily activities, sometimes for the remainder of their lives.
Living with hearing loss can make simple conversations with family and friends a struggle, leading to social isolation. Tinnitus can disrupt concentration and sleep, profoundly affecting overall quality of life. For those suffering from HAVS, everyday tasks that many take for granted, such as fastening buttons, holding a cup, or using simple tools, can become incredibly difficult or even impossible.
Chris Steel, Principal Specialist Inspector for Noise and Vibration at the HSE, emphasised the preventable nature of these conditions. He highlighted that while the consequences can be lifelong, employers have a clear responsibility to act. Steel noted that workers often remain unaware of the harm until symptoms emerge, by which time significant damage may have already occurred. He stressed that employers should not wait for symptoms to appear but must instead identify risks early, reduce exposure, and ensure appropriate control measures are firmly in place.
The HSE’s campaign promotes a straightforward, three-step approach for employers: Assess, Control, and Protect. This framework is designed to help organisations effectively manage noise and vibration risks and safeguard their workforce. The “Assess” step requires employers to identify who might be exposed to noise and vibration, understand the associated risks, and conduct suitable and sufficient risk assessments to gauge the extent of the hazard.
Following assessment, the “Control” step focuses on reducing exposure at its source. This involves selecting quieter or lower-vibration equipment wherever possible, and ensuring that all tools and machinery are regularly maintained to operate efficiently and safely. Implementing engineering controls, such as enclosures or damping materials, can also significantly reduce noise and vibration levels in the workplace.
Finally, the “Protect” step involves implementing personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last resort, alongside other control measures. This includes providing workers with appropriate hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, and anti-vibration gloves where necessary. Crucially, this step also encompasses providing adequate training and information to workers on the risks of noise and vibration, the correct use of PPE, and the importance of reporting any symptoms early.
Employers are reminded of their legal obligations under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. These regulations mandate that businesses assess and control workplace noise and vibration risks to protect the health of their employees. The new HSE campaign aims to translate these legal duties into practical, actionable steps that can prevent long-term health issues and improve workplace safety standards across the country.
This story was originally published by HSE Media Centre.
