CWU issues guidance on new noise regulations

The CWU communication workers’ union has issued new guidance aiming to reduce the risk of noise-related injuries in call centres.

The guidance explains the effects of exposure to noise and the new duties on employers set out in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, which came into force last month.

However, it also points out that the regulations do not tackle the growing problem of acoustic shock, for which the appropriate legislation is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974.

CWU national safety officer Dave Joyce told Workplace Report that the new regulations’ only effect on the call-centre industry is their coverage of general background noise, which will require audiometric testing.