While I appreciate that his hearing is already damaged it can be damaged further and his employer
has an increased duty of care to protect his remaining hearing. I am guessing that the work shop
area is a designated hearing protection zone as most wood working areas I have been in are therefore
he has to wear hearing protection. There are many types of hearing protection available that may
suit his actual need. Why would he not be safe to undergo his role wearing hearing protection? I
have had employees who are 100% deaf and work in machine shops who were assessed as being safe with
simple adjustments such as flashing lights to the alarm systems etc. The bottom line is that there
is no excuse for not wearing some form of hearing protection. I would discuss this further with his
H&S/ manager.
Regards
Frank
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Cathy Bloye
Sent: 11 August 2009 17:05
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] Hearing Loss
Can anyone comment on this one please:
A 62 year old carpentry instructor is referred in with hearing loss. His hearing
test confirms this and i've advised he see his GP re a referral. On questioning,
he tells me that he's worked in the building trade all his life and thinks that the
hearing loss has occurred over many years. He hasn't noticed it himself but is
aware that he always makes sure that people are facing him when speaking.
He also tells me that he doesn't wear ear defenders so that he can hear if
there's any problem with the machines that his pupils use.
What do people think about the fact that he's not using the ear defenders?
Having discussed the case with colleagues, we have come up with different
takes on the situation. If his hearing is already damaged and he's developed
coping strategies to overcome it i.e. not wearing the ear defenders, is he ok
to continue working? Should we be recommending the ear defenders, in which
case he will not be able to hear the machines and may not be safe to continue
with his role?
Any advice would be gratefully received.
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