Mr Keith Bailey was exposed to excessive levels of noise, whilst working in the Textiles industry for a period of over 16 years. Mr Keith Bailey worked for Smith & Nephew Limited, which was previously known as Stonebridge Cotton Manufacturing Ltd, during his period of employment. He was employed initially as an Apprentice and then later as a Weaving Technician. He was exposed to the noise of piconal machines, Northrop machines and sulzer machines, for the duration of his shifts.

During the first period of Mr Bailey’s employment with the company, he 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 Keith Bailey 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 Keith Bailey’s claim.

WE Solicitors were able to negotiate an out of court settlement of £3,500 for Mr Bailey, avoiding the need for court action.