Exposure to high levels of noise at work can lead to permanent hearing damage for employees. This can lead to prosecution of the employer by the Health and Safety Executive and potentially costly compensation claims from the employees.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 specify lower and upper action values for noise exposure, based on an employee's personal daily (or weekly) noise exposure A risk assessment is required to assess the likely exposure to noise of employees and to compare the noise exposure levels with the action values. If necessary, employers must take action to eliminate or reduce the risks from noise exposure to a level that is 'reasonably practicable'. The noise assessment must be carried out by a competent person.

Hepworth Acoustics can provide the following services:

• Noise surveys using hand held noise meters or dosemeters by competent staff;
• Assessing employee noise exposure from measured levels and working patterns;
• Providing detailed noise risk assessments to meet the requirements of the Regulations;
• Recommendations for reducing noise exposure and specifications for hearing protection;
• Detailing noise mitigation measures;
• Representation at legal hearings.