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25 October 2005 - Conference to Highlight
Acoustic Shock in Call Centres
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The Acoustic Safety Programme Conference, is due to take place
on Monday 7 November 2005, at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington,
London, with the keynote speaker being Lord Hunt, Minister for Health and
Safety.
With approximately 3% of the UK's total workforce now employed
within the call-centre industry, acoustic safety is of the utmost importance.
The aim of the conference is to inform employers of issues relating to the
acoustic safety of call-centre employees and offer guidance and solutions.
Repeated exposure to sharply rising noises in close proximity
via headphones without adequate protection is the cause of acoustic shock,
causing symptoms such as the following:
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Tinnitus and ear pain.
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Dizziness and nausea.
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Impaired hearing.
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Anxiety.
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On-sought of headaches.
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Depression.
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Fear of work.
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Lethargy.
The Communication Worker's Union (CWU) have estimated the number
of claims filed for damages as a result of acoustic shock to be as follows:
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Over 500 claims for damages have been filed in the UK associated
with the symptoms of this problem.
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There are 123 cases pending.
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There are 10 to 15 new reported cases each month.
An RNID study found that 30% of call centre workers surveyed
suffered from tinnitus and 39% believed that their hearing had been damaged
through their work.
Further information on the Acoustic Safety Programme and
registration details for the Conference can be accessed by clicking the
following:
Acoustic Safety Programme - Sound Advice, Loud and Clear.
Further advice on call-centres can be accessed from the HSE
Webpage by clicking the following:
HELA call centre advice
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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