The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to “prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work”.

This includes making sure legal limits on noise are not exceeded and providing employees with hearing protection if the exposure to noise cannot be reduced using other methods.

The BPIF said that HSE inspectors were targeting hearing protection and noise control as part of the body’s Health Surveillance campaign across all industries.

Head of professional services Mandy Robson told Printweek that costs for non-compliance can be significant, including the HSE’s ‘Fee for Intervention’ (FFI), if it finds a company is in material breach of health and safety laws.

The FFI involves an hourly rate charged for the HSE inspector’s time taken to identify what is wrong and how to put it right.

“It’s worth noting the HSE’s FFI is now £183 per hour from 1 April,” she said.

“The key focus is on health surveillance of employees, especially noise management.”

Firms can also be fined if they fail to protect workers from excessive noise.

In addition, the BPIF also noted that printing and manufacturing are “heavily promoted by legal services as 'at risk' industries for noise induced hearing loss and occupational deafness”.

“Assessing and managing noise risks correctly not only protects you now, but also covers you for future compensation claims.”

The BPIF offers a noise survey assessment service that details factory noise levels.

The resulting report highlights any actions required to ensure employees are protected from potentially harmful exposure, such as having the necessary controls in place, appropriate signage, and that mandatory hearing protection is available in any excess noise areas.

The HSE also has a ‘Noise at work’ section on its website that includes case studies, advice, and other resources.