Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Woodworking
Some of the noisiest working environments are found in woodworking industries. People who are exposed to high noise levels, even for a short time, may experience temporary hearing loss. If they continue to be exposed, serious permanent hearing loss can occur but sufferers often do not realise their hearing is being damaged.
Exposure to noise can also cause a permanent ringing or whooshing sound in the ears which can be very distressing, particularly when it’s quiet, such as when you are trying to go to sleep.
These regulations introduce some changes to the Noise at Work Regulations 1989, including a reduction in the noise exposure thresholds which trigger action. The effect will be to bring more workplaces into regulation than previously and could have important implications for parts of the woodworking industry.