Miss-Delectable
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Greenock Telegraph Online
Inverclyde’s thousands of workers could all be at risk from a condition called acoustic shock, potentially leading to permanent hearing damage.
The condition is caused when unexpected loud noises injure people wearing headsets or earpieces.
Jim McCourt, manager of the employment rights centre in Inverclyde, said: “We would urge that the local call centres meet their legal obligations in this field. The bottom line is that if it is a forseeable hazard, they must risk assess for it. It would be useful if these companies do risk assessments and that is the way to manage the problems. “An increase in the number of call centre workers reporting acoustic shock and hearing damage because of their jobs has prompted experts to criticise employers.
MSP for Inverclyde Duncan MacNeil said: “There are health and safety issues associated with every workplace and not just in heavy industry and construction.
“I am sure our local employers take their responsibilities to their employees seriously.”
Nigel Wilkinson, health and safety and environment manager for T Mobile, said: “T Mobile is fully committed to managing health and safety to ensure all work activities be carried out with minimal risk to employees.”
A conference is being held in Glasgow later this month to highlight the problem and experts in acoustic shock from as far away as Australia are travelling to Scotland to warn of the dangers
So far £2.5 million has been handed out in compensation to 700 people who have suffered health problems because of acoustic shock.
The Health and Safety Executive has recognised the condition and have published guidelines for companies to follow.
Greenock call centres include T-Mobile and the Royal Bank of Scotland Mortgage Centre.
Inverclyde’s thousands of workers could all be at risk from a condition called acoustic shock, potentially leading to permanent hearing damage.
The condition is caused when unexpected loud noises injure people wearing headsets or earpieces.
Jim McCourt, manager of the employment rights centre in Inverclyde, said: “We would urge that the local call centres meet their legal obligations in this field. The bottom line is that if it is a forseeable hazard, they must risk assess for it. It would be useful if these companies do risk assessments and that is the way to manage the problems. “An increase in the number of call centre workers reporting acoustic shock and hearing damage because of their jobs has prompted experts to criticise employers.
MSP for Inverclyde Duncan MacNeil said: “There are health and safety issues associated with every workplace and not just in heavy industry and construction.
“I am sure our local employers take their responsibilities to their employees seriously.”
Nigel Wilkinson, health and safety and environment manager for T Mobile, said: “T Mobile is fully committed to managing health and safety to ensure all work activities be carried out with minimal risk to employees.”
A conference is being held in Glasgow later this month to highlight the problem and experts in acoustic shock from as far away as Australia are travelling to Scotland to warn of the dangers
So far £2.5 million has been handed out in compensation to 700 people who have suffered health problems because of acoustic shock.
The Health and Safety Executive has recognised the condition and have published guidelines for companies to follow.
Greenock call centres include T-Mobile and the Royal Bank of Scotland Mortgage Centre.