Mr W was exposed to excessive levels of noise, whilst working in various noisy environments for a total period of over 8 years.

Mr W worked for Senior Service Ltd of Ashton Road, Dukinfield, Cheshire, during the years 1977 – 1979. He was employed as a trainee machine operator and was exposed to the noise of cigarette making machinery in the manufacturing department. He was never provided with hearing protection or noise awareness training during this period.

Mr W later worked for IMI Range Ltd of Bridge Street, Stalybridge, Cheshire, between the years 1987 and 1988. He was employed as a labourer, working on the shop floor. He was exposed to the noise of brazing machines, cylinder making machines and lagging machines. Again, he was never provided with hearing protection or noise awareness training during this time.

Latterly, Mr W went to work for Dixon Pork & Bacon Co Ltd, which was later bought by Dalehead Foods Holdings Ltd of Whitelands Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire. He was employed as a cutter and packer in the cutting room. He was exposed to the noise of foot saws, band saws and conveyor machinery. Again, he was never provided with hearing protection or noise awareness training.

Mr W advises that in all jobs, if he wanted to communicate with someone around 4 feet away, he would have to shout loudly or gesture to them, which suggested injurious levels of noise. He was never, however, made aware of how these noise levels could affect his hearing ability.

Mr W now suffers from mild noise induced hearing loss and a severe degree of associated 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 W’s claim.

WE Solicitors were able to negotiate settlements against the three defendants, totalling £6,981.00 for Mr W. Both Mr W and WE Solicitors are very pleased with the outcome.