Mr McGirr was exposed to excessive levels of noise, whilst working in the iron casting industry for a period of around 17 years. Mr McGirr worked for Sheepbridge Stokes Ltd, which later became GKN Sheepbridge Stokes Ltd. He was employed at the site on Dunstone Lane of Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, Derbysire.

Mr McGirr was employed as a shop floor labourer, a machine operator and a tool setter, during his period of employment. He was exposed to the noise of large grinding machinery, honing machinery and metal cutting machinery. He advises the noise was so loud that in order to communicate with someone at a distance of 3 or 4 feet, he would have to shout.

Later in Mr McGirr’s employment, some hearing protection was made available, however it was not enforced and as such, workers did not use it all the time. Mr McGirr advises that staff were not made aware of the importance of using hearing protection. Mr McGirr assumed it was there because it was uncomfortable to work in a noisy environment.

Mr McGirr 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 McGirr’s claim.

WE Solicitors were able to negotiate an out of court settlement of £4,000.00 for Mr McGirr, avoiding the need for court proceedings. Both Mr McGirr and WE Solicitors are very pleased with the outcome.