In 2009, the HSE completed a comprehensive report on the effectiveness of hearing protectors in everyday work situations. The report looked at various industries including printers, a bottling plant, metal fabricated buildings manufacturers, sheet metal workshops and a County Council.

The findings of the report found that whilst employers are providing hearing protection, believing this to be the only solution, the HSE where critical that most employers did not select the appropriate hearing protection according to the attenuation required. This could mean that some employees are being either under or over protected, both of which carry potential problems.

The HSE also called upon manufacturers of reusable hearing protection to carry a lifetime warning, so that it could be replaced at regular intervals.

Essentially, it is not sufficient for employers merely to provide employees with compressible foam earplugs and hope to evade any future liability by saying they did all they could by supplying the hearing protection.

Generally, foam type earplugs are poorly fitted, because workers do not realise they have to be fully compressed in order for them to fit properly and provide any form of protection. It was also noted that correct use of hearing protection requires a high level of training, supervision and motivation.

Simply because hearing protection is provided, does not necessarily mean it is working.

As part of the claims process, WE Solicitors investigate whether or not the provision of hearing protection was part of an overall health strategy, including training, provision of equipment and that the equipment was suitable.

If anyone is concerned about the hearing protection provided to them by their employers, they can contact us to discuss their concerns on Freephone 0800 294 3065.