No excuse for workplace hearing loss

No excuse for workplace hearing loss

A recent announcement from The Accident Compensation Corporation that over 4,500 New Zealanders have lost their hearing in the past 12 months because of excessive noise highlights some serious workplace issues.

“Given the major impact that hearing loss has on employees, employers and families, we continue to be extremely concerned about this problem. I believe that Noise induced hearing loss is the RSI of the first decade of the 21st century. Deafness is extremely isolating and in a workplace setting absolutely preventable. Let’s make sure we don't leave this legacy for our kids to deal with” says Co-Founder and Director, Dr Jim McLeod.

Simple steps can be taken such as boxing in noisy equipment, changing its location or ensuring earplugs and earmuffs are worn by staff.

“This is also a timely reminder that The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and its amendments dictates that the owner or director of any company is personally liable for the health and safety of its staff. The legislation further states that the owner or director must take every practicable step to ‘eliminate, minimise and isolate’ hazards in the workplace. Hearing loss in the workplace is legislatively considered to be Serious Harm” says Dr Jim McLeod.

‘From a workplace perspective, we believe it is essential for any employer who exposes their staff to loud noise should have in place a Hearing Monitoring program. Only through this program can an employer be sure that their practical steps to prevent hearing loss are actually having the desired results” Says Co-Founder and Director, Karen Heffey.

Company Health Services Limited provides total Health, Safety and Wellness Solutions. As a market leader it provides nationwide coverage from full turn-key Health and Safety solutions across multiple high risk workplaces through to single service solutions such as workplace vaccinations or pre-employment testing. ARS Recruitment is a partner company of Company Health Services.

ENDS

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