Noise

Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work continues to be a significant occupational disease. Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work continues to be a significant occupational disease. Some 170,000 people in the UK suffer deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.

The new Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into force on 6 April 2006. The first limit value is 80 dB(A) and a peak value of 112 pascals, the second limit value is 85 dB(A) and 140 pascals, and a limit value of 87 dB(A) and 200 pascals taking into account the reduction afforded by hearing protection.

Vibration

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 regulations deal with the control of diseases caused by vibration at work from equipment, vehicles and machines.
Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) is a major cause of occupational ill health and it is estimated around five million workers are exposed to HAV in the workplace. Two million of these workers are exposed to levels of vibration where there are clear risks of developing disease.

Each year, approximately 3,000 new claims for Industrial Injury Disability Benefit are made in relation to vibration white finger and vibration related carpal tunnel syndrome.

COSHH

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. Do you use, solvents, chemicals, oils, paints, or generate smoke, dust or other vapours? COSHH applies to virtually all processes in all industries and requires you to demonstrate that you are adequately controlling exposure of your employees.

Falls From Height

In 2004/2005 53 people died and nearly 3800 suffered a serious injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 came into effect on 6 April 2005.

The Regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of fall liable to cause a personal injury.