An employer has a duty to ensure that their employee’s hearing is protected from excessive noise in the place of work, as this could cause them to develop hearing problems – e.g. varying degrees of hearing loss, tinnitus, noise induced hearing loss. In some conditions the provision of hearing protection is mandatory. Regulations require hearing checks for workers regularly exposed above 85 decibels.
For further information on the HSE Control of Noise at Work Regulations visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/