Mr B was exposed to excessive levels of noise, whilst working in the foundry industry, almost continuously, from 1964 to around 2000. Mr B worked for Mather & Platt Ltd of Park Works, Grimshaw Lane, Newton Heath, Manchester. During his employment, the company changed hands several times to VWS Westgarth Ltd and Weir Engineering Services Ltd; part of the Weir Group.

During his employment, Mr B was employed as a moulder / core maker and a foundry methods engineer. He was exposed to the noise of overhead cranes, electric induction furnaces, shot blasting and the noise of the processes within the Fettling / Dressing shop, to name but a few.

During Mr B’s employment, hearing protection was not made available until around 1995, however it was not enforced and nor was there any comprehensive hearing conservation policy put in place, until around 2000. After this point, hearing protection was enforced. Mr B remained working for the company until 2009, but wore hearing protection until he left.

Mr B now suffers from mild noise induced hearing loss and mild noise related 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 B’s claim.

The case was not without issues; there were 6 insurers involved, who held cover for the defendants, during the claimant’s period of noise exposure and as such, much co-ordination was required.

Despite this, WE Solicitors were able to negotiate a settlement of £5,000.00 for Mr B, following the commencement of court proceedings.