Paper mill workers seek legal advice after hearing loss
09 Mar 2010
A group of people who used to work in a paper mill are seeking
legal advice in the hope of claiming compensation after they were
diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss.
Nine former members of staff at the East Lancashire Paper Mill in
Radcliffe - which closed down in 2001 - believe they are suffering
from hearing impairments as a result of "unacceptable" levels of
noise in the factory.
One of the employees, 72-year-old Albert Isherwood, said he now
struggles to hear everyday conversations and the telephone after
working in the loud environment from 1954 until 2001.
"There was hardly a day I wasn't exposed to the sound of massive
machinery working and yet it wasn't until the last eight or ten
years or so we were given any ear protection," he added.
The claimants' solicitors are now working with the former company's
insurers in order to address the complaints.
Earlier this month, the Lancashire Evening Post reported that
Beverly Thompson, 48, had been awarded more than GBP 100,000 in
compensation from the AA after she developed problems with her
ears.
She was a home-based call handler, but claimed that the equipment
she was provided with to do her job caused her to suffer from mild
frequency hearing loss.
By law, employers are required to provide protective equipment
where noise levels reach 80 decibels or above.
Anyone affected by work-related hearing loss could be eligible for
personal injury compensation and should seek the advice of a
solicitor.
Peter Todd, a solicitor at Hodge Jones & Allen LLP and a
specialist in complex personal injury claims including hearing loss
at work, comments:
“Thousands of people in the UK have suffered hearing loss caused by
exposure to excess noise at work.
Noise induced hearing loss is 100% preventable. It can be caused by
a one time exposure to an intense impulse (such as an explosion) or
to continuous noise over an extended period of time.
“Employers are under a legal duty to prevent noise induced hearing
loss and are liable to pay compensation if they fail to do so. The
effects of hearing loss on a person can be devastating to their
wellbeing and enjoyment of life. Compensation can help provide
medical treatment, aids, care and support, to restore someone’s
quality of life.
“At Hodge Jones & Allen, we have particular expertise in this
type of case. Expertise is critical as there are complex issues to
deal with in these cases as often the symptoms come on gradually
and employers will defend claims by alleging they have not been
issued within 3 years of when the loss was suffered. Prompt action
needs to be taken. Anyone who believes they may have been affected
is urged to contact us as soon as possible for legal advice and
representation.”
