Workplace Report May 2019

Health & safety - HSE Monitor

Acoustic shock appeal


The Royal Opera House has lost its appeal against last year’s High Court ruling that it had failed to protect the hearing of its musicians and had caused acoustic shock to former professional viola player Christopher Goldscheider. This was the first judgment to recognise acoustic shock as a compensatable condition. 


In the Court of Appeal, judge Sir Brian Leveson said it underlined the obligation placed on orchestras to comply with the requirements of the Control of Noise Regulations 2005. 


The ROH is seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2019/apr/17/royal-opera-house-loses-appeal-over-viola-players-acoustic-shock