Mr McKinley was exposed to excessive levels of noise, whilst working for 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 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 still has three more ongoing claims for noise induced hearing loss, against three further companies where noise exposure is alleged. The outcome of these claims is awaited.

WE Solicitors were able to negotiate a total out of court settlement in relation to these two defendant companies of £3,161.50, avoiding the need for court proceedings. Both Mr McKinley and WE Solicitors are very pleased with the outcome.