By Hans Stacey 27/02/2019

Under: PPE and Workwear / Health and Safety News

Why Harmful Noise Moving to Category III is a Big Deal

The new legislation uses the same three-part classification system (simple, intermediate and complex hazards) as the previous 2002 directive. However, it now associates PPE with risks rather than equipment and has reclassified several hazards into the highest category. 

Harmful noise is one of the risks which has received an upgrade and now joins other hazards in the Category III, such as falls from height and dangerous electrical voltage, which pose a serious risk to health. This promotion is an opportunity for health and safety professional to take a fresh look at harmful noise in the workplace and consider hearing protection options.

Why is the Upgrade Important?

While the nuts and bolts of hearing protection legislation remain governed by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, the decision to upgrade harmful noise to Category III in the new directive is significant. The move highlights the severity of the risk to organisations and urges more stringent preventative and protective action.

We understand more than ever the potential consequences of over-exposure to noise, which can affect our hearing and overall health and well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) now identifies noise-induced hearing loss as the most common permanent and preventable injury in the world and tinnitus as the third most serious non-fatal medical condition 

Aside from the auditory effects, harmful noise can also have signification non-auditory repercussions, including increased stress, reduced concentration and impaired communication. A recent study in America even suggests a link between harmful noise and heart health: 

"Reducing workplace noise levels is critical not just for hearing loss prevention — it may also impact blood pressure and cholesterol," says Dr. John Howard, director of the NIOSH. 

High blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels are top risk factors for heart disease – a potentially fatal condition which kills thousands in the UK every year.

We’re Leaving the EU – Will the Change Still Apply in the UK?

Unlike the previous directive, which was transposed into national law by each EU member state, the new regulations are a binding legislative act which applies automatically across the EU. With another year to go until the UK’s departure from the EU, the new legislation will apply for the foreseeable future. What’s more, after Brexit, the UK will be keen to keep its position as a world leader in health and safety, so it’s unlikely legislators will move away from previously agreed standards.

I’m a Health & Safety Manager, What Should I Do Next?

Sourcing PPE

After preventive measures to reduce noise at source have been thoroughly explored, high quality, fully-tested hearing protection is non-negotiable if harmful noise is a risk at your workplace. If you’re responsible for sourcing PPE for your team, make sure you work with a trusted PPE provider who can meet the criteria of the new regulations. Here at Enfield Safety, we continue to work to the strictest safety standards and meet and exceed the requirements of all relevant legislation.

“We are constantly monitoring the marketplace for changes and developments to legislation and relevant regulations to ensure we have compliant products in place for our customers ahead of time.” –  Roger Munn, Safety Champion, Enfield Safety

Providing Training

The best equipment in the world is useless if employees don’t know how to use it correctly. Providing workers with the right training is essential. As well as educating team members on how to properly fit and wear equipment, it’s also important they understand the consequences of non-compliance. Using audio demos and videos which explore the symptoms of hearing loss can be a powerful way to impact behaviour. 

Need support with hearing protection at your organisation? Talk to one of our Safety Champions about your PPE and training requirements today on: 0333 003 5710 or shop online.

Enfield Safety – no one works harder to bring you health, safety and welfare products at the right price, on time, every time.