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Call centre workers across the UK are being exposed to "acoustic shock" on a daily basis which threatens their hearing and leads to industrial deafness. Employers are being accused of simply not doing enough to protect the hearing of their employees.
A report recently released shows that two thirds of UK call centres don't protect workers adequately against hearing damage and loss.
Around 700 people suffer acoustic shock, with accident compensation claim figures reaching £2.5 million.
Chris Atwell of the Acoustic Safety Programme says of acoustic shock and industrial deafness: "It can be a debilitating occurrence for a call centre worker."
An acoustic shock is any form of temporary or permanent disturbance of the way the ear or nervous system functions. This can be caused by telephone users and the disruptive sound can be a whistle, bleep or any other unexpected noise.
Preventative measures that can be taken including safeguarding the hearing of staff by using special headphones.
Welsh call centre business leaders have spearheaded a campaign to help organisations deal with hearing loss as a recognised industrial injury. They believe the personal injury is a threat to anybody who uses a telephone on a regular basis, not just call centre workers.
Acoustic shock and industrial deafness accident compensation claims are increasing across the country. A major UK-based company that does not wish to be named has reached a £90,000 settlement with a staff member who has hearing loss due to acoustic shock. This is the first of a further 22 personal injury claims facing the same company.
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