UK bar staff warned on deafness risk

Bar staff in the UK could face a greater risk of deafness because of extended opening hours, a deafness charity and a union have warned.

The RNID and the Trade Union Congress warned that more than half a million workers would be exposed to loud music for longer periods of time when the new Licensing Act comes into effect from November, which could lead to permanent hearing damage or loss.

Both organisations are urging employers to do more to protect workers’ hearing and have launched their campaign as part of European Week for Safety and Health at Work.

The RNID estimates that excessive workplace noise has caused deafness and other ear conditions in half a million people in the UK.

Brian Lamb, Director of Communications at RNID, said: “Noise at work issues are usually associated with industries such as manufacturing and construction. However, with more licensed premises opening longer and playing loud, amplified music, staff working in bars, clubs and pubs might not realise their hearing is being put at such high risk.”

Mr Lamb said that workers in some venues were being exposed to music that was as loud as an aircraft taking off.

He also said that because noise-induced hearing loss was often cumulative and not immediately obvious, its threat was seldom recognised or taken seriously. However, he said that noise reduction strategies and the provision of ear protection for employees could help prevent hearing loss.

Employers are legally obliged to take action to protect employees’ hearing if they are regularly exposed to loud noise at work. However, the TUC and RNID said that there was “little evidence” of this protection being enforced in pubs, clubs and bars.

Tighter Control of Noise at Work regulations are due to come into force for the leisure industry in 2008. Hugh Robertson, Senior TUC Health and Safety Officer, said: “If bar and club owners don’t protect their staff from ear splitting noise they will end up in court. The industry must get its act together quickly before it is hit with a huge wave of compensation claims and enforcement action.”

The RNID and TUC have made a series of recommendations for employers to help protect workers from hearing damage. These include: the implementation of noise removal and limitation measures in venues and the provision of information on the dangers of exposure to noise, hearing protection, regular breaks from loud music and free regular hearing tests.

(KMcA/SP)