Welder Wins £12,750 in Damages for Hearing Loss

A welder whose hearing was damaged as a result of exposure to excessive noise levels in the workplace has won £12,750 in damages.

John Walton, 46, worked for three different employers between 1978 and 2007 and in each job he worked in a noisy environment. Even though the potential dangers of high noise levels at work were known about by the early 1970s, none of his employers warned him of the risks.

Over the years, Mr Walton had noticed some difficulty with his hearing but did not realise the extent of the damage. It wasn’t until 2007 that he was officially diagnosed as suffering from hearing loss after he underwent a medical examination.

Mr Walton now finds it difficult to hear what people are saying to him, especially when there is background noise. This can be particularly embarrassing in social situations.

A colleague advised Mr Walton to seek compensation for his injuries so he brought a claim against his three former employers. They all admitted liability and the claim was settled out of court for £12,750.

Because hearing damage can occur gradually over many years it is sometimes difficult to detect. Sufferers often assume that the change in their hearing is due to ageing rather than exposure to excessive noise. However, awareness is growing regarding the very real problem of work-related hearing loss. The number of people in the UK suffering damage to their hearing because of working conditions is estimated to be over 170,000. Those working in industries such as coal mining, shipbuilding and manufacturing are particularly at risk. Symptoms of damage due to noise can vary widely, however, and range from tinnitus, a recurring ringing in the ears, to loss of hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is the second most common reason for employers’ liability insurance claims regarding occupational health.

Employers now have a clear duty to comply with the standards for control of exposure to noise laid down by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and to assess and control the risks of environmental noise that cannot be eliminated. Employees who are likely to be exposed to noise must be provided with information and training on the attendant risks and informed of the steps that can be taken to minimise them.