Steelworkers And Hearing

A Noisy Workplace Can Lead To A Claim

Steel forges are noisy places and this can have an impact on steelworkers and hearing. The heat, the sparks and the sheer physical effort needed for shaping metal goes back centuries. It is also known to be a loud environment with constant hammering, roaring furnaces and heavy machinery at work. So, this can have a toll on hearing over time.

If you are considering claiming for compensation for hearing loss, you will have to show that your hearing loss was caused by a negligent employer. This may include various factors including unsafe conditions at work or improper protective equipment.

Find out more about your potential claim by contacting the Jefferies Claims team.

Daily Noise Levels In A Forge

If you are a steelworker, you may be exposed to a deafening noise levels every day. The threshold after which hearing protection is recommended is 85 decibels (dB). You may also be working in a forge for eight hours a day and five or six days a week, so the noise impact on your hearing racks up.

How Noise Affects Hearing

Long-term exposure to loud noises can cause Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), which permanently affects your hearing. Damage to your hearing happens when:

• Inner Ear Damage: The tiny hair cells in your inner ear are responsible for detecting sound waves and sending signals to your brain. When they get exposed to extreme noise levels for too long, they die off.
• Tinnitus: Many steelworkers experience a constant ringing or buzzing in their ears, known as tinnitus. It can be mild and annoying, or severe enough to interfere with sleep and concentration.
• Difficulty Hearing Conversations: Over time, loud environments can make it harder to pick up on speech, especially in noisy places. If you find yourself constantly asking people to repeat themselves, your hearing may be damaged.

Safety Measures For Steelworkers

Employers are legally required to provide proper protective equipment and ensure that noise levels are controlled. But in some forges, workers are either not given the right gear or do not receive correct training, among other safety factors which may be lacking.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

If you’ve suffered hearing damage because of your job in a steel forge, you may be wondering if you can make a personal injury claim. Employers have a legal obligation to keep noise exposure at safe levels. Hearing protection, such as earmuffs, should also be provided. Workers would also be rotated to limit exposure to extreme noise.

You will have to show the link between your work and hearing loss. For this, you will need a medical assessment to measure the extent of your hearing loss. Workplace records showing exposure to high noise levels should also be obtained and witness statements from colleagues about unsafe working conditions.

If your employer failed to implement correct health and safety measures in the workplace and you suffered hearing loss as a result, you might have a case. There is a three-year period from date of diagnosis in which to make a claim.

Compensation for Hearing Loss Claims

If your claim is successful, you could potentially receive compensation for medical costs, including hearing aids or treatment. Loss of earnings may also be considered, as well as the impact on your daily life.

If you’ve suffered from hearing loss because your employer did not implement the right precautions, you should consult a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case.

If you, or a loved one, has been diagnosed with hearing loss at work, Jefferies Claims can guide you through the process. We work with highly experienced lawyers in this field who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and we will give you the support and understanding you need. Call us at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Us Page to learn more.