Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common occupational health issues worldwide.
-
Value-Focused Insight
-
Fast & Trustworthy Support
-
Practical, Proven Solutions
What Are the Noise at Work Regulations?
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (often just called the “Noise at Work Regulations”) are part of UK health and safety law. They place duties on employers to protect workers’ hearing from excessive noise levels in the workplace.
The Regulations implement the EU Physical Agents (Noise) Directive 2003/10/EC and replaced earlier UK regulations from 1989. They apply to all workplaces where people may be exposed to noise that could damage their hearing, whether it’s a factory, a construction site, a nightclub, or even an office where noisy machinery is used.
Why Are They Needed?
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common occupational health issues worldwide. It can cause permanent damage to hearing, leading to difficulties with communication, social isolation, and even tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), hundreds of thousands of workers in the UK are at risk because of exposure to high levels of noise every year. Once your hearing is damaged, it cannot usually be restored — which is why prevention is so important.
What Do the Regulations Require?
The Noise at Work Regulations set out legal duties for employers. These duties include:
- Assess the risks: Employers must carry out a suitable and sufficient noise risk assessment if there is risk that employees may be exposed above the action levels.
- Reduce noise exposure: Where reasonably practicable, employers must reduce noise at source. This could include using quieter equipment, installing acoustic enclosures, or redesigning work processes.
- Provide hearing protection: Where noise cannot be reduced enough by other means, suitable hearing protection must be provided. This hearing protection should be appropriate for the noise source and not ‘over-protect’ – you may still need to hear fire alarms!
- Health surveillance: For workers regularly exposed above the upper exposure action value, employers must provide health surveillance (such as hearing checks) to spot early signs of damage.
- Information and training: Employees must be given information about the risks, safe working practices, and how to properly use hearing protection.
How Is Compliance Achieved?
To comply, many employers use ENS’ consultants to:
- Measure and map noise levels in the workplace.
- Identify which areas or processes pose risks.
- Advise on engineering controls and practical ways to reduce noise.
- Recommend suitable hearing protection with appropriate attenuation (avoiding over-protection, which can be a safety risk if warning sounds can’t be heard).
Common noise controls include:
- Quieter machinery and tools.
- Maintenance to keep machines running smoothly.
- Enclosing noisy machines or using barriers.
- Scheduling noisy tasks when fewer people are present.
Who Is Affected?
The Regulations apply to all sectors — from manufacturing, construction, and agriculture to entertainment and leisure. For example:
- Factory workers using power tools or presses.
- Construction workers near heavy plant or demolition works.
- Musicians and nightclub staff regularly exposed to loud amplified music.
- Call centre workers with headsets, where acoustic shock may be a risk.
Even offices may fall within the scope if they contain noisy plant rooms or printing equipment.
Enforcement
The HSE or local authority Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) enforce the Regulations. Employers who fail to comply risk prosecution, fines, and civil claims for industrial deafness.
You will, however, often find that for very noisy work environments, it will be your insurer that will raise concerns over noise and ask you to assess the risk of noise in the work environment (and to protect your ‘loss of hearing’ claims record).
Key Action and Limit Values
The Regulations set specific noise exposure action values and a limit value, measured in decibels (dB) using a daily or weekly personal noise exposure level (LEP,d or LEP,w):
Lower Exposure Action Value:
- 80 dB(A) daily or weekly exposure
- 135 dB(C) peak sound pressure
Upper Exposure Action Value:
- 85 dB(A) daily or weekly exposure
- 137 dB(C) peak sound pressure
Exposure Limit Value:
- 87 dB(A) daily or weekly exposure, taking into account any reduction from hearing protection
- 140 dB(C) peak sound pressure
Why Do the Noise at Work Regulations Matter?
These Regulations protect workers’ hearing and wellbeing. They also help employers manage risks, avoid compensation claims, and maintain a healthier, more productive workforce.
For employees, the Regulations give them the right to work in an environment where excessive noise is properly managed and the tools and knowledge to protect their own hearing for life.
Summary
The Noise at Work Regulations are a vital part of UK health and safety law. They recognise that noise damage is irreversible but entirely preventable and they set clear, practical steps to protect the people who keep our industries running; all of which ENS can assist you with.