Mr McKinley was exposed to excessive levels of noise, whilst working for several different employers, over his working life.

Mr McKinley was employed by Smith & Nephew Textiles Ltd of Milnrow, Lancashire, from 1969 to 1970. He was employed as a weaver throughout and exposed to the noise of Northrop looms, for the duration of his shifts. He advised that the noise was so great that in order to communicate with a colleague, he would have to gesture or lip-read. He was never provided with hearing protection and never warned of the dangers of noise exposure by his employer.

Mr McKinley also worked for TBA Industrial Products Ltd of Rochdale, Lancashire, during the years 1978 to 1982. He was employed as a spinner and a weaver during this period. He was exposed to the noise of spinning frames, winding machinery and looms, during this period. Again, he advises he would have to gesture or lip-read to communicate with colleagues, however he was never offered any hearing protection or warned of the dangers of excessive noise.

Mr McKinley worked for Courtaulds Ltd, at Arrow Mill, Queensway, Rochdale, Lancashire, from 1982 and was exposed to noise without hearing protection, until 1984. He was employed as a weaver on Northrop Looms. He advises that in order to communicate with colleagues, he would have to gesture or lip read.

Mr McKinley also worked for Oswald & Duncan Ltd of Belfield Road, Rochdale, Lancashire. He was employed as a weaver once more, on Northrop and Picanol Looms. Mr McKinley worked for this company from 1971 to 1972 and again during 1996 and was only provided with hearing protection, during his latter period of employment.

Mr McKinley was also employed by Birch Waste Mills Ltd of Shawclough, Lancashire, from 1975 to 1976. He was employed as a cotton feeder and throughout his employment, worked on the spinners, winders and carding machines. He was never provided with any hearing protection during this time and nor was he warned of the dangers of noise exposure.

Mr McKinley now suffers from mild to moderate noise induced hearing loss and a moderate grading of tinnitus, which was confirmed when WE Solicitors arranged a medical assessment of his hearing condition. This was presented to the defendants, as part of the evidence, to support Mr McKinley’s claim.

Mr McKinley won his claims against all five defendant companies.

WE Solicitors were able to negotiate a total out of court settlement in relation to these defendant companies of £5,468.33, avoiding the need for court proceedings.  Mr McKinley said “I am very pleased with the way WE Solicitors dealt with my claim”.