Workplace Report May 2019

Health & safety news

Mapping noise levels on London Underground


Innovative research has highlighted London Underground journeys where noise levels exceed dangerous levels.


Hearing protection company Eave carried out the research using smart ear defenders to collect data on personal and environmental noise exposure and produce a “noise map” of the Tube network. The map highlights journeys where noise levels exceed the 85db(A) exposure action value level set out in the Control of Noise Regulations 2005. At this level hearing protection is mandatory under the regulations.


Finn Brennan, organiser for the train drivers’ union ASLEF, on the London Underground, told Workplace Report: “ASLEF’S health and safety reps have been highlighting this issue for a long time. We have insisted that protective equipment is made available for drivers to prevent hearing damage from long-term exposure.” 


Brennan called on Transport for London to “make resolving this a priority to protect both staff and passengers”.

https://www.eave.io/news-notes/2019/4/29/tube-challenge-noise-data