Mr G was exposed to excessive levels of noise, whilst working for several employers, over a period totalling more than 30 years.
Mr G worked for Sheepbridge Rolling Mills Ltd of Sheepbridge, Chesterfield. He was employed as a labourer and was exposed to the noise of metal clanging together, metal rollers, overhead cranes – the processes involved in the production of metal springs. He was employed for the company for around 18 months during 1970/71.
Mr G then worked for Markham & Co Ltd of Chesterfield, Derbyshire. He was employed from 1971 to 1976, as a grinder. He was exposed to the noise of hand grinders, hammering, lathes and compressed air powered tools such as chisels and drills.
Mr G went on to work for Biwater Ltd of Clay Cross, Derbyshire. He was employed as an iron pipe fabricator, from 1976 to 1985. He advises that during this time, he was exposed to the noise of metal pipe spinning machines and the hammering of metal.
From around 1985 to 1986, Mr G worked for Coalite Group Plc of Chesterfiel, Derbyshire, as a labourer. He was exposed to the noise of coke being knocked out of cylinders, as this was carried out by the use of compressed air powered hammers. Additionally, he was exposed to the noise of metal rollers.
Lastly, Mr G worked for MFB Fabrications Ltd of Clay Cross, Derbyshire, as a production operative. He advises that he was exposed to the noise of a chop saw, a bending machine, the hammering of metal and press machinery
During the above employment, Mr G was never provided with hearing protection and nor was he ever made aware of the dangers that working in excessive noise gives rise to. Mr G 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 G’s claim.
The claim was not without issue as the representatives in respect of the claim against MFB Fabrications Ltd admitted liability, but did not put forward settlement proposals until some 4 months later. By this time, protective court proceedings had to be issued against them. In the meantime, the other claims settled separately.
WE Solicitors were able to negotiate in total, a settlement of £4,854.55 for Mr G, avoiding the need for service of court proceedings. Both Mr G and WE Solicitors are very pleased with the outcome.