Many people will have a hearing test at least once in their lifetime. It’s probably one of the more common tests that occupational health services offer. Much like vision screening. However, if the noise levels are above a certain level, employers are required to provide hearing screening tests for all employees.
So, who actually needs an audiometry test in the workplace because of the job they do?
An employer’s duty of care
Every employer will know that they have a duty of care for their employees. To ensure that they have good enough health to complete their job, and ensure that they are safe whilst doing their job. Plus, employees have all of the necessary equipment required to perform their daily tasks.
It’s also the responsibility of the employer to ensure that any risks in the workplace environment have been identified, and measures have been put in place to either eliminate these or minimise these risks. This includes ensuring that if noise is above a certain level, every employee’s hearing is regularly checked to identify any issues early on and protect them against any further damage.
Noise at Work Regulations
Do you work in a place where there are regular loud noises? If you’re an employer, a noise risk assessment will determine whether the noise in your workplace is over a certain level.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005) was introduced in 2006 for most sectors. The aim of these regulations is to ensure that workers’ hearing is protected from excessive levels of noise at work.
“ The level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is 85 dB(A) (daily or weekly average exposure) and the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers’ health and provide them with information and training is 80 dB(A). ”
Audiometry Testing
At Acorn, we offer Audiometry testing to our clients. This test takes approximately 20 minutes per employee and includes:
- A confidential questionnaire
- Health surveillance
- An ear examination or Otoscopy
- A referral to a specialist medical consultant if necessary
- A report for managers that will satisfy HSE requirements
If you are aware that your workplace is required by law to provide audiometry testing to employees, this should also be offered to new employers before they start work. As this establishes a baseline of hearing.
After this, annual hearing testing and a questionnaire should be completed for the first 2 years of employment. Then, every 3 years thereafter. Of course, audiometry services can be carried out more frequently if any issues with an individual’s hearing are identified.
What sectors require Audiometry testing?
- Construction workers
- Machine operators
- Warehouse workers
- Welders
- Nightclub workers
- Farm workers
- Bricklayers
- Airport ground workers
- FLT drivers
- Factory workers
Contact Us
Need more information on our Audiometry testing services? Or want to find out how to book hearing tests for your employees? Please get in touch with our experts at Acorn. Visit our FAQs page, call us at 01260 277797, or email us at website@acornoh.co.uk