Health Surveillance for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Manufacturing most often takes place in noisy environments and the production of trussed rafters and metal web beams very much fits this description. While short bursts of loud noise might cause temporary hearing loss, prolonged exposure can lead to permanent damage.

Hearing loss often occurs gradually, making it hard to notice initially. Therefore, both employers and employees need to be aware of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) – an important occupational hazard in woodworking.

Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates more than two million people in Great Britain are exposed to unacceptable levels of noise at work.

NIHL is when the delicate parts inside your ears are damaged by constant exposure to loud noises, resulting in permanent damage. Common symptoms include difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, trouble following conversations in noisy environments, and persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Regulatory framework and legal requirements

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005) sets out the employers’ responsibilities to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from workplace noise. These regulations also place responsibility on workers to follow the systems and use the ear protection provided by their employers.

According to these regulations, employers must implement a suitable health surveillance programme and conduct risk assessments. Regular hearing tests (audiograms) can detect NIHL before it becomes severe.

Recent updates to these regulations have introduced stricter requirements for health surveillance, particularly in the categorisation and management of NIHL.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has developed an audiometric categorisation guide to assist in clinical decision-making and referral processes.

Key Changes in the Regulations

Prior to July 2021, the benchmark for the scheme was based on the summation of hearing levels. However, the updated changes focus on the presence or absence of NIHL and the summation of hearing levels. Previously, if NIHL is detected, the worker would be classified under ‘Category 1 (H1), however, under the new categorisation, the worker will be placed in ‘Category 3 (H3)’ and should be referred for medical assessment by an occupational physician.

The physician will determine whether NIHL is new, progressive, or stable. A telephone consultation will be arranged for new or progressive NIHL, and a fit-for-work certificate will be completed for stable NIHL.

How will this affect TRA members?

We spoke to Luke Roberts, managing director of Donaldson Timber Engineering, about the changes made in their factory.

“One of the biggest changes we’ve implemented is the removal of all the old compressors and extractors, as these are some of the noisiest machines in the factory. It’s important to consider upgrading them to newer, quieter versions, or, wherever possible, moving the extractors outside the factory to reduce noise.

“The same applies to the use of saws. In our factories, we have introduced the use of Hundegger saws wherever possible. The blade of the Hundegger is contained within the unit, which reduces noise compared to the older saws we used, where the blades were exposed, generating more noise and increasing dust exposure.

“We have also replaced our fleet of side loaders, switching from diesel to electric vehicles. This not only helps to significantly reduce noise in the factory but also makes them cleaner and helps reduce our carbon footprint.”

As the legal requirement for audiograms with new or progressive NIHL to be escalated to an occupational physician becomes more enforced, members are likely to see an increase in health surveillance escalations and telephone consultations for noise exposures. Members must understand that only cases strictly within the legal escalation criteria are put forward for review.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulation (2005) mandates that if the risk assessment indicates a risk to employees’ health due to noise exposure, employers must ensure that employees are placed under suitable health surveillance, including hearing tests.

The regulations recommend an audiometric programme starting with a baseline audiogram conducted before exposure to hazardous noise or as soon as possible after initial exposure, followed by a schedule of audiometric testing to monitor hearing threshold levels over time.

By adhering to regulatory requirements, implementing baseline audiograms, and involving occupational physicians in the health surveillance process, businesses can create safer working environments and protect their employees’ hearing health. As regulations evolve, staying proactive and committed to health surveillance is key to maintaining a healthy and productive workforce.

The TRA’s Health and Safety Committee will keep members updated on any regulatory changes. If your company already has health surveillance in place, please contact the TRA and let us know if you would like to share your experience and process.