Noise At Work Regulations and How Headsets Help

17/07/2008

Safety and Comfort On Call

Noise at Work rules introduced in 2006 are still ringing in employers’ ears as they tackle another regulatory headache. The new regime does not just impact on thumping industrial environments but on otherwise sedate offices where the phone is the key workplace tool. For the modern office this generally refers to background noise, office banter, employee conversations and the day-to-day bustle of modern offices. 

Headsets Help

Anything that assists compliance is being warmly welcomed which is why many employers are taking advantage of new volume monitoring and limiting technology offered by latest generation of headsets and headset accessories. For example digital headset amplifiers can be harnessed to monitor volume over an eight hour period and adjust it accordingly to minimise the risk of exposure to unacceptable noise levels. Many phone headsets can also help protect against “acoustic shock” – caused by noise of high intensity and frequency – by ‘cancelling’ unwanted noise such as, say, the piercing tone of an incorrectly dialled fax machine. With ear pain and tinnitus possible symptoms, this is an increasingly important issue. Indeed the Communication Workers Union has reported that British unions have handled over 700 cases and secured £2m in out-of-court settlements.

Aside from specifying noise limiting, monitor and cancelling headsets, business managers and proprietors can take other measures to help ensure regulatory compliance. These include making sure staff are well trained in the use and care of headsets and designing office space to minimise background noise levels, using sound dampening materials and configuring workspaces to minimise speech conflict.