Industrial Deafness Accidents - No Win No Fee
Industrial deafness, otherwise known as noise induced hearing loss affects around 170,000 people in the UK with another 1.1 million people at potential risk. The term Industrial deafness covers Tinnitus, temporary hearing loss, permanent hearing loss and acoustic trauma.
People who are involved in noisy working environments, such as metal work, engineering, shipbuilding, coal mining and factory environments where noisy machinery is used as well as nightclub workers and airline pilots could all be prone to Industrial deafness and other forms of hearing problems.
Industrial deafness is the second most common type of industrial disease in the UK and can dramatically alter the structure of people’s lives, in some cases leaving it difficult for them to find work.
If you were once employed in a constantly noisy environment and you are now suffering deteriorated hearing you could be entitled to personal injury compensation.
In 1989 the Noise at Work Act put in place rules relating to health and safety in the workplace. This act was then revised in 2005 bringing out the Control of Noise at Work Regulations, which states that when noise reaches a certain level the employer must take specific action and also educate their workers in the effects of noise and what can be done to protect them. These Regulations include:
• Every employer must ensure a noise assessment is performed where any employee is likely to be exposed to dangerous noise levels.
• Employer are under a duty to reduce the risk of noise damage to the lowest level reasonably practicable by muffling the noise, or reducing the period of time spent in a noisy environment.
• Where an employee is likely to be exposed to between 85 dBA and 90 dBA hearing protection should be provided if requested by the employee. For employees exposed to over 90dBA the employer should provide employees with hearing protection without waiting for a request and they must take all reasonable steps to ensure hearing protection is fully used.
• Employer must advise and instruct employees of the risks of damage to hearing from exposure to noise and of the steps that can be taken to reduce that risk.
• Areas exceeding 90dBA are to be identified and marked as ear protection zones and as areas in which ear protection should be worn to reduce the risk of industrial deafness.
Compensation claims regarding Industrial deafness and tinnitus are high. Mild tinnitus with some hearing loss can bring up to £8,650 in a successful no win no fee claim and severe tinnitus with hearing loss can fetch up to £26,500
Tinnitus describes when you hear noises such as ringing, buzzing or whistling. This either occurs suddenly or over a period of time. Many cases of tinnitus are temporary but in some cases it can be permanent. One of the first signs that damage has been done to your hearing is usually tinnitus.
In the case of permanent hearing loss, you usually experience difficulty hearing women and children’s voices. This is the first sign that something is wrong. Permanent hearing loss is a gradual change that takes place, with it usually occurring within the first ten years of being exposed to a noisy workplace. Once permanent damage has occurred, it cannot be reversed.
If you have suffered Industrial Deafness then you are more than likely entitled to claim compensation. It is in your legal and civil rights to claim after an accident that wasn’t your fault. You should get in touch with a lawyer today who will be able to talk you through the claims process and let you know if you have a chance of a successful claim.
Helen Cox is the web master of Accident consult, providing you with professional advice surrounding your Industrial Deafness Accident Claim.
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