BOLTON MPs David Crausby and Brian Iddon helped to launch a national campaign which highlights the risks of noise at work.

A parliamentary reception was organised in the Commons - not the quietest of working environments - by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People.

The RNID is concerned about the large numbers of people whose hearing is being damaged as a result of noise in the workplace.

It has joined forces with the TUC to produce "Indecent Exposure" - a joint report outlining the risks, particularly in new service industries such as call centres.

They want to see the Health and Safety Executive enforce the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 to ensure people do not suffer unnecessary hearing loss or tinnitus and that employers, where possible, reduce the noise levels at source.

There is also a call for the HSE to carry out more research. James Strachan, RNID chief executive, said: "The connection between excessive noise and hearing damage is long-established. However, there are many new industries which are presenting new threats to our hearing.

"Regulations exist to protect people, but in spite of this many employees only become aware of the risks once their hearing has been damaged.

"We want to see more action on the part of the employer and the Health and Safety Executive to reduce noise levels and inform staff of the risks."

Hazard

Mr Crausby said: "Hearing cannot be restored once it has been damaged, so it is vital that we do everything we can to conserve it.

"Exposure to noise is a significant, yet preventable hazard for too many people and I urge local employers to take every possible step to protect the hearing of their workforce."

Employers and employees who are concerned about the risk of noise in the workplace can call the RNID Helpline on 0870 60 50 123.

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