Initiative launched to encourage quieter workplaces

Date:

9 March 2010

A new initiative has been launched to encourage manufacturers to make quieter machinery and businesses to use it, in a bid to reduce noise-related ill health in the workplace.

170,000 people in the UK suffer deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work and the 'Buy Quiet' campaign, led by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), is about getting everyone with an interest - manufacturers, suppliers, employers, unions, insurers and consultants - looking at what they can do to reduce the risk.

HSE is particularly keen to foster closer relationships with manufacturers to see how noise reductions can be made at source.

An event to mark the beginning of the campaign was held on Tuesday 2 March, where relevant businesses and organisations could discuss their ideas and experiences.

The workshop included information on the legal requirements associated with noise emissions, the commercial considerations of producing low noise machinery and help for employers to identify and manage risks of exposure to excessive noise in the workplace.

HSE's Sarah Haynes, HM Inspector of Health and Safety (Noise & Vibration) said:

"Noise-related ill health can have a devastating impact on workers and their families, and Buy Quiet is about exploring ideas and sharing information about what can be done to reduce the risks.

"We are really encouraged by the positive feedback from the event and by how keen many businesses and organisations are to work more closely with HSE in coming up with potential solutions.

"HSE will continue to engage with industry to raise awareness of potential benefits, both health and commercial, of low noise machinery production."

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It works to prevent death, injury and ill-health to those at work and those affected by work activities. For more information about the work of HSE, visit www.hse.gov.uk
2. For more information on noise at work, visit www.hse.gov.uk/noise

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