Cause for concern — noise pollution of the work environment

Abstract

Man is subjecting himself to ever increasing levels of noise. In Britain, in his home, he is provided with a fair degree of protection, both in common law and in statutory law, against anyone who causes him annoyance by producing excessive noise. However, at work, he is virtually defenceless against whatever noise his employer may choose to inflict upon him. If the level exceeds 60 dBA it can cause him annoyance; if it exceeds 85 dBA it can eventually deafen him as well as making him less productive for certain tasks. The triple effects of noise pollution, in the work environment, upon the mental and physical health of the worker are examined. It is shown that all three adversely affect the efficient running of a firm. Noise annoyance is one of the factors in a high turnover of labour. Compensation claims from noise deafened employees are becoming a real threat and no employer can contemplate low productivity resulting from inefficient operation of his plant. It is argued on both humanitarian and on economic grounds that this country cannot afford not to legislate for noise control in factories and offices and not to provide adequate financial compensation for noise deafness.